Ten Things You Might not Know about the Colville National Forest
One of the most amazing features of the area in which we live is the Colville National Forest (CNF). Originally created March 1, 1907, it was known as the Colville Forest Reserve. Today, the National Forest contains 1.1 million acres throughout northeastern Washington, including areas in three counties, parts of the Columbia River, the Kettle River, the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, the Selkirk Mountains, and so much more.
Now, you probably knew all that already. Here are some things you might not know, though, courtesy of conversations with the National Forest’s PIO Franklin Pemberton, and Annemarie Prince, the District Wildlife Biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
#1 — Within the boundaries of the CNF, Franklin told me we have 102 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs; the largest of which is Sullivan Lake in northern Pend Oreille County. There are basically 65 named lakes, and 46 of those are fishable. “Top that off with almost no crowds and ample camping both in campgrounds and dispersed, and life is good up here,” he said.
