North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
Explore Resources
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Byway Overview
The North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway (pronounced POND-er-AY) explores the remote northeast corner of Washington State. This 27-mile byway runs from Tiger to Boundary Dam near the Canadian border and overlays a small portion of the 280-mile International Selkirk Loop.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- State Byway
- Location
- WA
- Total Length
- 27 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
425-771-3271 -
Tiger
Tiger is located at the junctions of Highways 20/31, four miles south of Ione. At this junction is the Tiger Historical Center and Museum, the only remaining building of the once thriving community of Tiger. The store was built in 1912 and served as a general store and Tiger’s post office until 1975.
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Big Meadow Lake Wildlife Observatory
This forested mountain lake and wetlands is a magnet for wildlife. An observation tower allows for a birds-eye view of the wildlife that call this place home. Overnight camping is available.
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Ione
The story of Ione is one steeped in legends of the timber industry, the railway and the lore of the mighty Pend Oreille River. Ione has been a timber town since it was settled at the turn of the century, with the community building its first sawmill 1901.
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Box Canyon Dam Tour
The Box Canyon Hydroelectric Project was completed in 1956 and today provides its customers with clean and reliable energy. It is located on a narrow portion of the Pend Oreille River and tours begin at the visitor center. In addition, the site also accommodates camping, swimming and is an excellent spot for a picnic.
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Sweet Creek Falls
This paved trail is perfect for families with young children, so pack a picnic lunch for an afternoon to enjoy the multi-tiered falls. There are multiple picnic tables along the short, paved hiking trail leading to the falls. On a hot day, visitors can play in the shallow pool below the falls. Interpretive signs and restroom are included.
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Sullivan Lake Campground
The Sullivan Lake Basin provides a wide variety of outdoor adventure, including camping, swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and hiking. A 4.2 mile trail offers a view of the lake and is a popular day-hike for all ages.
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Seattle City Light - Boundary Dam
The Boundary Hydroelectric Project, located on the Pend Oreille River, supplies almost half of Seattle City Light's power. Discover the Boundary Hydroelectric Project nestled in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains and located along the banks of the scenic Pend Oreille (pronounced "pond-ah-ray") River.
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Gardner Cave
Edward E. Gardner, who settled Pend Oreille County, lends his name to Gardner Cave as its apparent discoverer circa 1900, although there are other discovery claims. Gardner Cave was reportedly found during a hunting foray by Gardner, the homesteader, farmer, miner, future Metaline saloon keeper and alleged bootlegger during Prohibition. Edward Gardner homesteaded adjacent land on the Pend Oreille River, but never owned the cave.