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Kettle Falls has a rich history and fascinating story behind the town’s name. Kettle Falls is a small town located in Northeast Washington about 70 miles North of Spokane and 45 miles South of the Canadian Border. If you visit Kettle Falls you will find unparalleled beauty with the mountains, trees, valleys and lakes. Kettle Falls got their name from a waterfall located on the Columbia River that is now flooded by Grand Coulee Dam.
Grand Coulee Dam
The town of Kettle Falls originally was located near the Columbia River and in 1941 Grand Coulee Dam was constructed. The town of Kettle Falls was moved to higher ground where it sits today. Many of the older homes in Kettle Falls were moved from the river bed to the town where they are now. Grand Coulee Dam flooded the riverbed that now makes up the 130 mile long lake, we refer to as Lake Roosevelt.
Lake Roosevelt is absolutely beautiful with blue-green water and plenty of sandy beaches to explore. Kettle Falls is host to one of the local marinas along with several campgrounds and boat launches. The National Park Service is responsible for overseeing the area along Lake Roosevelt. To protect landowners from landslides or flooding the government keeps possession of the lake frontage. You will here this referred to as the 1310 line. This does restrict landowners from developing the strip of land adjoining the lake, but it also allows for anyone to use the 130 miles of beaches. If you enjoy fishing, this lake will provide abundant opportunities to catch: trout, walleye, bass, sturgeon, pike and many other species.
Lake Roosevelt is controlled by Grand Coulee Dam and during spring runoff the dam is opened up and the water level decreases. This usually occurs around March or April and is back up to “full pool” by the first of July. When the water is down you may have the opportunity to see the “Falls” which is located just north of the bridge crossing from Kettle Falls to the Hudson Bay area. In addition to seeing the historic Kettle Falls you may catch a glimpse of the old roads, sidewalks and foundations from the original town site.
Fort Colville Trading Post
Hudson Bay is another fascinating facet to the Kettle Falls legacy. In 1825 the Hudson Bay Trading Company began building the Fort Colville Trading Post on the Columbia River. The trading post had furs, potatoes and other valley crops such as grain. This post was active until 1871.
It is my understanding that this also was a location for the Native Americans to spear fish and trade goods. During years when Lake Roosevelt is lowered dramatically I have seen tepees placed by Falls which reminds me of the strong Native American heritage.
Kettle Falls does have a historical center located near the Saint Paul Mission where you can find many interesting artifacts from the area. If you haven’t had a chance to visit this panoramic paradise, now is the time to make a trip and experience why I choose to live here.
