PEWEE FALLS

WATERFALL : Pewee Falls on the Pend Orielle River
DROP: 200'
WATERFALL TYPE: Plunge
DISTANCE CAR, BOAT TO FALLS: Less then 1 mile
MAPS: Colville N. F., Sullivan Lake topo 509.447.7300
GPS: Boundary Dam Boat Launch. 48°??589’58” N 117°21’02” W

DESCRIPTION:

There isn't a good way to walk to Pewee Falls.

Pewee Falls is located on the Pend Orielle River south of Boundary Dam, and 1/2 of a mile from Canada.

I might say something about the river. There is very little sensation of the river moving down stream. But if you set out in the morning the pool is full. By the time you visit the the two waterfalls up stream, you will notice the pool level is lower. That's because there are two dam about 18 miles apart, the water levels fluctuate up and down. The dam makes power for Seattle.

After putting in at the free campground and Launch, head towards Ratt Island. When you round the island, notice that the water level is high. By the time you get back in the afternoon, the island will show a lower waterline.
Once you've rounded the islands you will see Pewee Falls about .3 of a mile in its own cove. As you approach the falls the sounds and sights are spectacular. There is a very small area on the north side of the falls to get out on. But be very careful.
Then the padding starts. Paddle upstream from the falls. The cliffs here are about 100' tall on both sides.
Upstream about 3 miles is another island. On the west of the island are picnic tables to snack or have lunch at. In low pool, you may not be able to paddle around the island, so go back out into the main channel, and continue upstream. Here the cliffs on both sides are 200-300 feet tall right out of the water.
Continue paddling upstream for a total 7.5 mile to twin waterfalls. There is one on both sides of the river. A cool thing to do here is, position yourself between the two falls and listen to stereophonic waterfalls, and meditate your existence..
At about 8.5 miles from the dam is the Grandview Campground. A bit further upstream is an undeveloped camping area on a sharp left turn.
This is my opinion. I don't like the the river above water line that crosses the river overhead. Likewise, coming down from city of Metaline not Metaline Falls, there is a whirl pool I don't like.
So basically, if I'm doing a day paddle, I turn around at the twin falls.

OPTION #1:

As long as you are in the area, take the Boundary Dam tour.

OPTION #2:

If you have the time, head down to Sullivan Lake and do the drive up to the Vista on the opposite side of the river, to view the north side of the dam.

OPTION #3:

Another very cool place to visit while you are up there, is the Gardner Cave, Crawford State Park. Its a short distance to the NW from the dam.
There are guided tours that take you down about 125' underground. The cave is lighted and has a metal walkway.
Don't miss it.

OPTION #4:

From just north of city of Metaline Falls, there is the Sullivan Lake Road that takes you to the north end of Sullivan Lake. Near the Old Mill Site is a short walk to Elk Creek Falls. Pick up a brochure from the Ranger Station.
You can paddle the river south, lock up you boats, then walk the 4.5 miles back to the north end. Fall colors along this hike are spectacular.

DIRECTIONS:

From Newport, WA., head north on Hwy 20 to Tiger, WA. At Tiger, turn right (N) up Hwy 31. When you pass the Selkirk High School, in less then 1/2 a mile stop act the Sweet Creek Rest Area. From the rest area is the Sweetwater Falls Trail. Its a very cool set of falls