Metaline Falls, Things to do + BOAT/CAMP the Pend Oreille River
Metaline Falls and the Pend Oreille River are literally one of the best kept secrets of the United States. This small, quiet town offers beautiful nature, cheap prices, free boating/camping opportunities, and the friendliest locals. I spent a few days here floating the Pend river, hiking nearby peaks, and seeing beautiful viewpoints like Peewee Falls and Sullivan Lake. And I’m already excited to one day return.
The journey to Metaline Falls can be long depending on where you’re coming from, however if you have extra time to make the trip or are living within a few hours drive I definitely recommend making the journey to this hidden slice of paradise – I’d say there’s literally nowhere else like it in the USA.
In this post I’ll give you all my favourite things to do around Metaline Falls as well as outline all the important info you need to know prior to kayaking or boating along this stretch of the Pend Oreille River. Including a whole section about the Metaline Falls rapids.
Skip ahead:
- How to get to Metaline Falls
- Where to stay in Metaline Falls
- Best time to visit Metaline Falls
- Things to know before visiting Metaline Falls
- Where to eat in Metaline Falls
- Things to do in Metaline Falls
- Pend Orielle river camping & float info
- Metaline Falls rapids warning
- Metaline Falls & Pend Orielle FAQs
I have affiliate links in this post which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I may make a small commission ~ at no additional cost to you (full disclosure). These funds go back into The Holistic Backpacker and help me create more free content like this!
Thank you for supporting my work!
How to Get to Metaline Falls
Metaline Falls is located in the very Northeast corner of Washington, about 6hrs from downtown Seattle (275 miles). The Canadian border is just a 20 minute drive from Metaline Falls, the closest bigger Canadian cities being Salmo (40 minutes / 28 miles) and Nelson (1hr 10 mins / 53 miles) in British Columbia. Idaho is also just a skip away, Coeur D’Alene being the closest bigger city about 2hrs (106 miles) away.
The only way to access Metaline Falls and the Pend Oreille River if you’re planning to boat, float, and/or camp is via driving. You’ll need your own personal vehicle or a rental to get here. I have my favourite American car rental tool linked below.
My Favourite USA Car Rental
In order to properly see America’s beautiful nature, I 100% recommend renting a vehicle as hiking trails, national parks, and other beautiful spots often are not accessible via public transportation.
This is my favourite USA car rental tool. It compares all the local rental companies so you’re alway guaranteed the best rate.
Where to Stay in Metaline Falls
There are very few places to stay in Metaline Falls as it’s a small, poor town. Camping is definitely the best option and there are a handful of free camps, boat-in camps, and RV parks available within and around Metaline Falls. I have all these spots (including my most favourite free camp ever) marked in my Washington Map (coming soon).
If you’d prefer something indoors, you’ll want to take a look at the Rock House of Metaline Falls. It’s an absolutely beautiful 4 bedroom chalet – it’s definitely the nicest lodging opportunity you’ll find in this area. There’s also the Historic Washington Hotel or the Circle Motel which are more ‘rustic’ options.
In nearby Ione there’s also Porter’s Plaza Motel and Riverview Motel, however staying in Metaline Falls is significantly nicer.
Before finishing this post, I had major car issues and stayed a few nights at the Linton RV and Trailer Park. I can now officially say it’s great! Awesome showers, great location, decent pricing, friendly owners.
Best Time to Visit Metaline Falls
Summer is definitely the best time to visit Metaline Falls, however spring and autumn offer supreme quiet escapes (although the summer is relatively quiet compared to many places). I visited Metaline Falls in late August and loved it – the Pend Oreille River is warm at this time which is perfect for swimming and water sports.
I would not recommend visiting Metaline Falls in winter. I imagine it being very quiet and many roads to viewpoints and activities are closed so there wouldn’t be a whole lot to do.
Connect via socials:
STAY CONNECTED
Sign up for emails to receive a 25% discount on my travel maps.
Taylor ♡
Things to Know Before Visiting Metaline Falls
Metaline Falls is a quiet town – population estimated around 300. Both the locals and the visitors here are some of the friendliest people I’ve come across, so there’s no shortage of smiles and friendly conversations in Metaline Falls. There is however a shortage of good food options and reasonably priced gas. I recommend packing all the food and supplies you need prior to coming to Metaline Falls. The grocery shop is quite limited and has minimal healthy options.
Advance planning and reservations are not really necessary as the town sees minimal visitors, however summer weekends can get a bit busy. If you’re shooting for the free camp near Metaline Falls, ensure you arrive early and try to get there on a week day.
Cell service is extremely spotty and often non-existent as soon as you leave the Metaline Falls area. Be prepared to be out of service.
Where to Eat in Metaline Falls
There are very few places to eat in Metaline Falls and essentially nowhere if you have dietary restrictions (plan to pack and cook all your own food if you’re gluten free, like me). Each restaurant here has a very small-town feel and what I would say are relatively cheap prices compared to the rest of the US.
The Farmhouse Cafe is a local’s favourite. Serving up beverages and all kinds of good eats.
The Metaline Rose Saloon and Bakery is right across the street from the Farmhouse Cafe and they have a much larger menu, although it’s all vegetarian. Who would have thought tiny Metaline Falls would have a 100% vegetarian menu!?
The Last Stop Ice Cream Shop is a great place to grab a cone, although when I visited it was temporarily closed; I’m unsure about the reopening of this establishment.
Frank’s Italian Food is located in the historic Washington Hotel.
Restaurants in Metaline
Just down the road in Metaline (yes, these are considered 2 separate towns), there are a couple more spots to grab a bite.
Western Star Bar & Grill has basic pub food, but the draw here is the pool table. As far as I know it’s the only one in town and leads me to think this is the best place in Metaline to pop in for a ‘local’ drink.
The American Pie Drive in and Catering is an old school, classic American themed diner. Complete with red seating and checkered finishings, of course.
Things to do in Metaline Falls
There are surprisingly a LOT of things to do in Metaline Falls. My original plan was to drop off my partner here who wanted to float the river in his micro houseboat, then drive 2.5hrs over Idaho to spend a few days hiking in the Selkirks. As soon as I arrived in Metaline Falls and saw the Pend Oreille River I quickly changed my mind and opted to stay here a whopping 5 nights (which turned into 8 nights after some truck problems)!
I recommend spending at least 3 full days in the Metaline Falls area to enjoy the river and surrounding attractions.
Float/Boat/Camp the Pend Oreille River & Peewee falls
The Pend Oreille River’s clear water and towering limestone/dolomite canyon walls make this a special place to float or boat or even camp. The river itself is super calm (minus one rapid section which I have warnings about below) making it great for kayaks, SUPs, or motorboats if you fancy some skiing or wakeboarding. Floating this stretch of the Pend Oreille River is my favourite thing I did in Metaline Falls.
The highlight of the Pend Oreille River near Metaline Falls is undoubtedly the impressive 233ft Peewee Falls which is located in Z Canyon at the north end of the river, 1 mile south from Boundary Dam. It’s easily accessible by motorboat, kayak, or SUP if you launch at the Boundary Dam Campground.
Throughout the Pend Oreille River you can find many cliff jumping spots in the narrower stretches of the canyon where the cliffs rise. Just swim over, scramble up the walls, and jump where you see fit. The water is typically always deep, but make sure you double check your landing spot before jumping (obviously).
There’s also a rope swing just north of the Ledbetter boat-in campground which is definitely the best campground on this stretch of the Pend Oreille River.
Tour Boundary Dam
The Boundary Dam (aka Seattle Lights) is actually behind all the lovely free camps, viewpoints, rest areas, and public spaces around Metaline Falls; they do a really amazing job maintaining the spaces here.
During the summer months – usually July to August – you can tour Boundary Dam and see the vast size of the 340ft walls (way bigger than I expected). When I visited the free tour was from Friday to Monday at 8:00am, 10:00am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm. You can find updated information here. The Dam tour is based on walk up availability and you must have a vehicle as it’s half walking, half driving. Expect it to take around 1hr.
It’s actually really cool and I’d recommend it if you’re around when it’s happening as it’s one of the best things to do in Metaline Falls. You get to learn all about how the dam powers a large amount of Seattle and see the film location of the movie ‘The Postman.’
Gardner Cave
Gardner Cave in nearby Crawford State Park Heritage Site is something I unfortunately did not get to see when I visited Metaline Falls; although it’s one of the best things to do here. The cave tour requires advance reservations (which usually fill up weeks in advance) and without them there’s no way in. Although I was told by locals they may take walk-ups if those with reservations don’t show.
It’s the third longest limestone cave in Washington and over 500 million years old. When inside you can see delicate stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and rimstone pools along a lighted walkway. There’s even a 7.8-ton limestone column, which is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
Pack warm clothes for your Gardner Cave tour as temperatures remain 39-43 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Hike Abercrombie Peak or Hooknose Mountain
If you’re hoping to find a bit of solitude and go hiking near Metaline Falls, both Abercrombie Peak and Hooknose Mountain in Colville National Forest are great options with gorgeous views. I personally did Abercrombie Peak without realizing Hooknose is just a 1.5m primitive ridge walk away with minimal elevation gain (98ft). Whoops, missed that one.
There are 3 trailheads for Abercrombie Peak and Hooknose Mountain:
- The “East Approach” starts up the Flume Creek road and is closest to Metaline Falls. The dirt road climbs about 3,000ft in elevation up the side of the mountain, but the road has recently undergone maintenance and is beautiful to drive. As of summer 2026 there wasn’t a single pothole. I drove up in a 4×4 truck, however there was a small Subaru up there too so I image small vehicles have no trouble making it up and down the road as long as they drive cautiously.
- Silver Creek Campground and the end of Hartbauer Creek Road mark the other 2 trailheads from the West side, but they are a significantly longer drive away.
I can only speak for the trail starting at Flume Creek up to Abercrombie Peak (here’s the Alltrails map), but it was very clear, well maintained, and never overly strenuous. The total distance was 8 miles with 2,200ft elevation gain and the view from the top was entirely worth the effort. It took me about 2.5hrs of active hiking to complete this trail with an extended break to appreciate the views stretching all the way into Canada.
Relax at Sweet Creek Falls
Sweet Creek Falls is just a quick walk from the parking lot making it the best easy thing to do in Metaline Falls. The waterfall is actually much bigger in person than what photos portray and the area is wildly lush with all kinds of greenery and moss. It’s the perfect place to dip your feet in some cold water or listen to the sound of rushing water.
If you’re in need of a lunch break this is also a great spot as there are plenty of picnic tables stashed away in the trees.
Admire the Local Viewpoints
There are a surprising amount of viewpoints around Metaline Falls – you could easily spend half a day checking them all out. The following are all max 1/4 mile from the parking lot with minimal elevation changes.
- Pend Oreille River – if you want to find a nice view overlooking the Pend Oreille river without venturing too far, check out the Falls View Park + the bridge just left of it. There’s also a viewpoint overlooking the Metaline Falls Rapids at Portage Park.
- Vista House – overlooks the massive Boundary Dam and has an indoor interp centre. This is a great spot to go if you can’t attend the free dam tour during the summer months.
- Peewee Falls Overlook – is just down the road from Vista House. If you can’t get to Peewee Falls this is a great place to have a peak at the 233ft waterfall.
- Riverside Canyon Overlook – is a quiet spot overlooking the river. There are plenty of benches so it makes for a nice place to chill and read a book or have a meal.
- Box Canyon and Eagle Nest Viewpoint are just south of Metaline Falls. I found them not overly impressive but they’re there if you want to have a look.
Vista House, Peewee Falls Overlook, and Riverside Canyon overlook are located north on the east side of the river. It’s a bit of a drive so I recommend seeing them all in one shot.
I have all these spots marked on my Washington map (coming soon) for easy-peasy navigation and planning.
Take a Drive to Sullivan Lake
What I will say about Sullivan Lake is that it’s never done justice in photos. I visited on a stormy, windy, smoky, awful day and I was still wowed by the sparkling water and mighty peaks around it. This is easily one of the best things to do in Metaline Falls so be sure you don’t miss it.
Sullivan Lake is just a 20 minute drive from Metaline Falls. Once you arrive you can opt to launch a boat ($10 fee required by the campgrounds for this), hike the trail connecting the East Sullivan Campground and Noisy Creek (about 8.5 miles roundtrip), or relax by the shore.
The campgrounds all require a $10/vehicle day use pass, however there’s one free parking area next to the West Sullivan Campground entrance (it’s small so arrive early on weekends). I have this free parking spot marked on my Washington map (coming soon).
Look for Fossils
Although I didn’t see any myself, I was camped out next to an avid fossil hunting couple. They found all kinds of cool fossils (typically middle Cambrian trilobites and ancient marine invertebrates) which they claimed to be “just next to the river.”
Mill Pond Historic Site
This interpretive recreation area is for the former Sullivan Creek dam which was removed in 2017. There’s a 0.6 mile trail showcasing old structures like a cabin and flume remains.
I personally didn’t bother walking around here, just stopped to take a peak. I don’t think it’s too exciting, but it is a pretty area if you just want to get out and stretch your legs.
Pend Oreille River Camping & Float Info
The Pend Oreille is a calm, slow flowing river making it the perfect place for a relaxing paddle, water sports, or chill river camping. The whole river is 130 miles, however in this post I’m referring to the 12 mile (one-way) stretch connecting Metaline Falls and the Boundary Dam Campground.
Below is everything I learned about the river during my trip.
You are required to have life jackets on your boat. At both the Boundary Dam and Riverfront Park boat launches there are FREE life jackets you can borrow 24/7.
Best Boats for the Pend Oreille River
The Pend Oreille River is a special stretch of water as you can really launch any kind of boat here. I paddled from Metaline Falls to Boundary Dam in 5hrs on a paddle board, albeit that required constant paddling; I wouldn’t recommend this for inexperienced paddlers.
Kayaking the Pend Oreille is a popular option. Many people take their fishing boats and motorboats out on the river for camping and water sports like skiing and wakeboarding. The water in the Pend Oreille River is generally very deep so you needn’t worry about hitting the bottom. The width of the Pend Oreille river varies greatly but is always wide enough for large boats and passing.
A word of caution for motorboats: the river divides near Everett Slough campground. If you’re in a motorized boat I recommend sticking to the right (heading north) as the left passage by the campground is much shallower and weedy.
Here’s Washington’s boating laws to ensure your licenses, and safety gear are up-to-date.
Where to Launch Boats in Metaline Falls
Metaline Falls is a great spot for launching boats as you have many options. Riverfront Park and Boundary Dam Campground both have large boat launches with great trailer parking. Portage Park has a launch for kayaks, SUPs or other small crafts that can be carried. Beware this route has a brief, steep section (paved) and a few stairs to navigate.
Boundary Dam and Portage Park are located AFTER the rapids (so, north of them) if you want to avoid that situation entirely.
All these boat launches are free and I have them marked on my Washington map (coming soon).
Pend Oreille Camping Info
There are 6 official free boat-in campgrounds along the Pend Oreille River between Metaline Falls and the Boundary Dam Campground. These campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free – no permit required (as of 2026). They vary in distance between the launch sites which make them great for slower paddle trips along the river.
Only some of these campgrounds have drop toilets and picnic tables and these ones are often snatched up first. Be prepared for primitive camping during your paddle or boat along the Pend Oreille River.
My favourite campground along the Pend Oreille River is Ledbetter Cove which has a drop toilet, plus very close nearby opportunities for cliff jumping and a rope swing.
Pend Oreille River Flow & Dam Info
The Pend Oreille River flows north and moves slow. The only things to be aware of are the rapids (read the section below) and the rapid water level changes that occur due to the multiple dams on this river.
That being said, when you tie your boat up overnight for camping, ensure it’s in a place that can handle water rising and receding. Many people have lost or damaged their boats by tying them up on land or leaving them deeper in the water when the water levels change.
The water levels can change up to 11 feet in 1 day during the summer months, for reference.
Metaline Falls Rapids Warning
Locals consider May and June a no-go for navigating the rapids due to dangerous water levels and conditions. It’s recommended to use the Portage Park launch (kayaks) or the Boundary Dam Campground launch (kayaks and large boats) so you can avoid the rapids but still enjoy the river during this time.
The Metaline Falls Rapids are of general concern to anyone floating or paddling the Pend Oreille River. The rapids are located adjacent to Portage Park, you can actually get a Birds Eye view of them from the ‘Falls Overlook and Portage Trail.’ This is a great place to check them out before launching your boat.
Unfortunately there’s no way to predict the danger level of the Metaline Falls Rapids until your immediate launch time. The water levels in the Pend Oreille change rapidly and constantly due to the dams, so the rapid’s hazard level can change hourly.
Although the rapids may look like nothing aside from one large rock in the middle of the river (at certain times of the year, at other times it’s clear rapids), the danger comes from the eddies forming below the water’s surface. To the left of said rock, the river depth drops significantly compared to the right; creating a kind of underwater waterfall or eddy (strong underwater current).The Eddy here is known as Deadman’s Eddy as it has been said to claim lives.
Make sure you stay to the RIGHT of the rock (assuming you’re heading north with the water flow) to avoid the underwater currents.
Metaline Falls & Pend Oreille FAQs
Which direction does the Pend Oreille River flow?
The Pend Oreille river flows north.
Do you need permits to camp on the Pend Oreille River?
No, campgrounds along the Pend Oreille River around Metaline Falls do not require permits. They operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free.
Can you float the Pend Oreille River in 1 day?
The entire Pend Oreille River is 130 miles long so it would be nearly impossible to do the float in one day. The 12 mile stretch from Metaline Falls to Boundary Dam can easily be done in 1 day. I did it in 5hrs on a paddle board, albeit I’m an experienced paddler.
Are the Pend Oreille rapids dangerous?
Yes, depending on certain conditions and the time of year. Read this section above for more information.
Can you drive a motorized boat on the Pend Oreille River?
Yes you can drive motorized boats on the Pend Oreille River. Just make sure you adhere to Washington boating regulations.
What type of boat is best for the Pend Oreille River?
You can use a motorized boat, kayak, or SUP on the Pend Oreille River near Metaline Falls. The river itself moves very slow, so the best option depends on how far you want to go in each day.
What time of year should you avoid the Metaline Falls rapids?
Locals consider May and June extremely dangerous months to navigate the Metaline Falls rapids. They recommend avoiding them entirely during this time.
Where can I launch my boat in Metaline Falls?
There are 3 boat launches between Metaline Falls and Boundary Dam. You can use Portage Park (kayaks only), Riverfront Park, or Boundary Dam Campground.
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
Like This Post?
Share with friends or save it for later!
About the Author
Hello, I’m Taylor.
I’m a world traveller, adventure enthusiast, and holistic health aficionado.
I spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, road tripping, and camping wherever nature allows it.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
You May Also Like
7 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Jasper National Park You Can’t Miss
Oslo: What to do & Things to Know Before Visiting
