Living in Kettle Falls, Washington: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Kettle Falls History: The Town That Moved

Kettle Falls has a history unlike that of almost any other community in Washington.

Long before the present town existed, the falls on the Columbia River were an enormously important fishing, gathering and trading place for Indigenous peoples. The falls were known for their roaring or “noisy waters,” especially during the great salmon runs.

Fur traders, miners, ranchers, loggers and settlers eventually came to the region, and the original town of Kettle Falls was incorporated in 1891.

Then everything changed.

The construction of Grand Coulee Dam caused the waters of the Columbia River to rise, creating what is now Lake Roosevelt. The original falls and much of the town would soon be underwater, so homes and businesses were moved uphill and combined with the nearby community of Meyers Falls.

The original falls disappeared beneath the rising water in 1940, but the community survived.

That is why Kettle Falls is proudly known as:

The town that moved!

The City of Kettle Falls describes it as the largest town in Stevens County to be relocated. (Kettle Falls)

Approximately 1,650 Happy People—and One Grump

Kettle Falls had 1,636 residents in the 2020 Census, although many more people live in the surrounding rural area and consider Kettle Falls their hometown. (Census Data)

Of course, the official numbers do not tell the whole story.

Kettle Falls is also home to approximately 1,650 happy people and one Grump.

The Grump—or Town Grouch—is an unofficial community position announced during the annual Town & Country Days celebration. Move here and, after you have lived here long enough, perhaps you can begin campaigning for the title yourself.

Competition may be fierce.



Town & Country Days is traditionally held during the first weekend in June and includes local entertainment, food and craft booths, a parade, children’s activities, a car show and the Grumpy Grouch Fun Run. (Kettle Falls)

Kettle Falls is small enough that people still recognize one another, but large enough to provide many of the things residents need for daily life.

In and around town you will find:

• Grocery shopping
• Gas stations
• A hardware and building-supply store
• A pharmacy
• A small medical clinic
• Auto parts and repair-related businesses
• Restaurants and independently owned shops
• A public library
• Parks and community facilities
• A regional information and visitor center

The Kettle Falls Regional Information Center is located beside Happy Dell Park and was designed to resemble the town’s original railway station. It also serves as the home of the Kettle Falls Chamber of Commerce. (Kettle Falls)

You will not find the endless shopping, dining and entertainment options of Spokane—but many residents would tell you that is part of the attraction.

Colville is only a short drive away and provides additional shopping, professional services, restaurants and medical care.

Schools in Kettle Falls, Washington

The Kettle Falls School District serves students from the elementary years through high school.

A smaller school system can give students more opportunities to know their teachers, coaches, administrators and classmates personally. School sporting events, concerts, fundraisers and other activities remain an important part of community life.

Families should always investigate the individual programs, services and extracurricular opportunities that matter most to their children, but the local schools are a central part of Kettle Falls.

Jobs and Major Employers in Kettle Falls

Forestry and wood-products manufacturing have long played an important role in the Kettle Falls economy.

Boise Cascade operates both lumber and plywood manufacturing facilities in Kettle Falls. Locals commonly refer to these as the upper and lower mills.

The lumber operation produces industrial, appearance and other grades of lumber, while the plywood facility manufactures structural wood panels used in construction. (Boise Cascade)

In a community this size, major employers matter. The mills provide jobs directly and also support truck drivers, loggers, equipment operators, contractors, mechanics, retailers, restaurants and other local businesses.

Additional employment can be found through schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, construction companies, farms, retailers and service businesses.

The job market is smaller than Spokane’s, so anyone relocating without employment already arranged should investigate opportunities carefully.

Working Remotely and Starlink Internet

Internet service used to be one of the greatest obstacles for people considering a rural property near Kettle Falls.

That has changed considerably.

Starlink is now generally available throughout much of the area and has been a real game changer for rural homeowners.

Many people who work from home can now obtain a fast enough connection for video meetings, online business, streaming and other everyday needs—even where cable or fiber service is unavailable.

Service still depends on the individual property. Tall trees, steep terrain, buildings and other obstructions can interfere with the satellite equipment’s view of the sky.

Traditional internet and cellular coverage also vary considerably from one address to another. Buyers who depend on reliable internet should:

• Confirm which providers serve the address.
• Test cellular reception at the property.
• Check for trees and terrain that could obstruct Starlink.
• Avoid relying solely on what a listing or coverage map claims.

Even with those cautions, dependable rural internet is available far more often than it was just a few years ago. That has made living and working in the Kettle Falls area practical for many more people.

Orchards, Farms and Local Produce

When locals say “Kettle Falls,” they are often talking about more than the city limits.

The greater Kettle Falls area includes farms, orchards, timbered acreage, riverfront properties and rural neighborhoods extending in several directions from town.

Peachcrest Road has long been associated with local fruit production. There are not as many commercial orchards as there were when we first arrived in the area during the early 1990s, but fresh fruit and other produce are still grown and sold locally.

One longtime example is Columbia View Orchard on South Peachcrest Road. The Nelson family has been sharing excellent local produce for decades.

Depending upon the season, area growers may offer apples, peaches, cherries, pears, plums, berries, vegetables and other locally grown favorites.

Fishing in Kettle Falls and Lake Roosevelt

With the Kettle and Columbia rivers nearby, it should come as no surprise that fishing is an important part of life around Kettle Falls.

The Columbia River forms the upper portion of Lake Roosevelt, creating miles of productive fishing and boating water.

Depending upon the season, location and current fishing regulations, anglers may pursue:

• Walleye
• Rainbow trout
• Kokanee
• Smallmouth bass
• Whitefish
• Sturgeon
• Other regional species

The fish populations can be productive, so you may have to be either unlucky or fairly lousy not to catch something.

I sort of resemble that description!

Anglers should always check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service and tribal regulations before heading out. Rules, seasons and limits can change, and special regulations may apply in certain portions of the river and reservoir.

The Washington State Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament

Kettle Falls is home to one of the region’s signature fishing events: the Washington State Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament.

The tournament is traditionally held at the Kettle Falls Marina and hosted by the Lake Roosevelt Walleye Club. It attracts two-person teams who compete for prizes and, of course, local bragging rights.

Dates, entry fees, rules and payout structures may change from year to year, so anglers should confirm current information directly with the tournament organizers.

Even for those who do not compete, tournament weekend demonstrates just how seriously people around here take their walleye fishing.

Camping, Boating and Recreation Near Kettle Falls

Kettle Falls is one of the primary northern gateways to the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

The Kettle Falls Boat Launch provides a paved ramp, docks and convenient access to the adjacent marina. The nearby campground accommodates tents, vehicles and RVs and is close to both the marina and day-use area. (National Park Service)

Lake Roosevelt provides opportunities for:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Camping
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Exploring beaches and coves

The National Park Service describes Lake Roosevelt as a Northeast Washington destination for swimming, boating, hiking, camping and fishing. (National Park Service)

One important fact for newcomers is that Lake Roosevelt is an active reservoir. Water levels can change significantly during the year, affecting beaches, docks and individual boat launches.

Always check current water levels and launch conditions before hauling your boat to the lake.

Floating the Kettle River

During warmer weather, portions of the Kettle River are popular for floating on tubes, rafts, kayaks and paddleboards.

However, this is not an activity to approach carelessly.

River depth, temperature, current speed, debris, rapids and access points can change from one season—or even one week—to another. Some stretches are peaceful, while other areas can be dangerous.

Before floating:

• Ask knowledgeable locals about current conditions.
• Confirm safe entry and exit locations.
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
• Avoid unknown rapids, logjams and swift-water areas.
• Never assume last year’s conditions are the same this year.

Several local Facebook groups serve as the unofficial community “buzz center.” People frequently share information about river conditions, road closures, lost pets, local events, fishing, weather and almost everything else happening in the area.

You may receive six different answers to the same question—but most people are sincerely trying to help.

Hiking, Hunting and Exploring

Kettle Falls is surrounded by public land, forest roads, mountains, rivers, lakes and undeveloped country.

Outdoor opportunities include:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Wildlife viewing
• Mountain biking
• Horseback riding
• ATV riding where legally permitted
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Boating and paddling
• Camping
• Berry and mushroom gathering where permitted

You do not have to travel far before the pavement ends and Northeast Washington begins showing off.

Downhill Skiing Within Driving Distance

Downhill skiers have two major resorts within a reasonable drive.

49° North Mountain Resort, near Chewelah, provides skiing and snowboarding south of Kettle Falls.

To the north, RED Mountain Resort, near Rossland, British Columbia, offers a larger international ski destination just across the Canadian border.

Both resorts offer terrain for different ability levels. Travelers heading into Canada should remember to check border requirements, road conditions, operating schedules and ticket availability before leaving home.

Kettle Falls Real Estate and Housing Value

One of the strongest reasons people consider living in Kettle Falls is the opportunity to receive more property for their money than they might find in Spokane, Western Washington or many larger communities.

People searching for homes for sale in Kettle Falls, Washington, may find:

• Older homes inside town
• Manufactured homes
• Rural residences on acreage
• Timbered parcels
• Small farms and orchards
• Shops and outbuildings
• Lake or mountain-view properties
• Recreational land
• Properties suitable for gardening or animals

Prices and inventory change with the market, but Kettle Falls can provide opportunities that are increasingly difficult to find in more populated areas.

However, the value of a rural property depends upon much more than the house.

Buyers should carefully investigate:

• Wells and water availability
• Septic systems
• Private and public road access
• Snow removal
• Easements
• Zoning and land-use restrictions
• Internet and cellular service
• Wildfire exposure
• Flood or shoreline concerns
• Outbuildings
• The actual usability of the land

Five acres on paper does not necessarily mean five acres you can easily use.



A knowledgeable real estate broker should help you examine the entire property—not merely the kitchen, bedrooms and view.

Kettle Falls provides many everyday necessities, but choices are naturally limited.

Colville offers additional shopping, restaurants, medical care and professional services. For certain medical specialists, major retail stores, airline travel or large medical centers, residents may need to travel to Spokane or another larger community.

That is manageable for many people, but it can become inconvenient for someone who has frequent medical appointments or wants extensive shopping and entertainment nearby.

Winter Is Really Winter

Northeast Washington experiences snow, ice, cold temperatures and shorter winter days.

Living inside town is generally easier, but rural properties may require:

• Snowplowing
• Good winter tires or four-wheel drive
• Backup heat
• Generator planning
• Tree and limb cleanup
• Additional travel time
• Maintenance of a private road

That beautiful, gently sloping driveway you see in July may look very different in January.

Wildfire and Summer Smoke

Wildfire is a genuine concern throughout Northeast Washington.

Some summers are relatively clear, while others bring smoke from fires in Washington, Idaho, Canada or elsewhere in the Northwest.

Owners of wooded or rural properties should evaluate:

• Defensible space around the home
• Emergency vehicle access
• Water availability
• Evacuation routes
• Tree density
• Insurance availability and cost
• The condition of nearby timber

Wildfire risk does not automatically make a property unsuitable, but it should never be ignored.

Limited Public Transportation

Kettle Falls is a rural community, and most residents need a dependable vehicle.

A person who cannot drive—or who expects frequent and convenient public transportation—may find living here challenging.

Road conditions, travel distance and winter weather should be considered carefully, especially by seniors and people who require regular medical care.

There really isn't very much to call Ugly. What might be ugly generally appears when someone moves to rural Northeast Washington without understanding what rural life requires.

Rural Property Can Demand A Bit Of Work

Acreage is wonderful—until the weeds grow, the well pump quits, the septic alarm sounds, a fence falls over or a tree comes down across the driveway.

Country properties may require ongoing maintenance of:

• Wells
• Septic systems
• Private roads
• Fences
• Outbuildings
• Forested land
• Snow-removal equipment
• Backup power systems

Some people thrive on that independence.

Others discover that they wanted a view of the country, but not the responsibilities that come with living there.

Not Every Road Is A Freeway

Some rural roads are steep, narrow, dusty, muddy, shaded, rough or privately maintained.

A property shown as “only 20 minutes from town” on a map may take considerably longer to reach during winter.

Before purchasing, buyers should investigate:

• Who maintains the road
• Whether a written maintenance agreement exists
• School-bus access
• Emergency response
• Snow removal
• Delivery access
• Seasonal road conditions
• Whether the driveway is suitable for the buyer’s vehicle

Small Towns Have Long Memories

In a large city, you can remain fairly anonymous.

In Kettle Falls, people may remember your truck, your dog, your relatives, the house you bought, the house you sold—and what you said at the gas station last Tuesday.

That can feel wonderfully supportive or slightly uncomfortable, depending upon your point of view.

The best approach is simple: be kind, be dependable, help your neighbors and do not say anything in public that you would not want repeated at the grocery store.

For the right person, absolutely!!

Kettle Falls may be a good fit if you value:

• A slower pace of life
• Friendly small-town connections
• Fishing and boating
• Camping and outdoor recreation
• Rural property and acreage
• Less traffic
• Greater independence
• A lower-key lifestyle
• The possibility of receiving more property for your money

It may not be ideal if you require:

• Immediate access to specialized medical care
• A large and diverse employment market
• Extensive nightlife and entertainment
• Major shopping within a few minutes
• Frequent public transportation
• A maintenance-free lifestyle
• 
  

Kettle Falls is not Spokane, Seattle or suburbia—and most people who love it would prefer to keep it that way.

It is a small community with a remarkable history, productive mills, local schools, orchards, rivers, mountains, campgrounds, excellent fishing and miles of beautiful Northeast Washington scenery.

It has plenty of good qualities, a few inconveniences and occasional ugliness—especially during mud season.

But for someone seeking a smaller town, a slower pace and room to breathe, Kettle Falls has a great deal to offer.

And remember: the position of Kettle Falls Grump may still be available.

Is Kettle Falls a good place to retire?

Kettle Falls may appeal to retirees who enjoy a slower pace, outdoor recreation, small-town connections and lower-density living. Retirees should also consider winter driving, property maintenance and the distance to specialized medical services.

Is Kettle Falls affordable?

Kettle Falls often provides more house or acreage for the money than larger Washington communities. However, property values vary according to location, condition, land quality, water systems, outbuildings, road access and other features.

Can you work remotely from Kettle Falls?

Yes. Starlink has made high-speed rural internet possible at many properties where cable or fiber service is unavailable. Buyers should still confirm service at the individual address and evaluate trees, terrain and other possible obstructions.

What is there to do in Kettle Falls?

Popular activities include fishing, boating, camping, hiking, hunting, floating portions of the Kettle River, exploring Lake Roosevelt and skiing at 49° North or RED Mountain.

What kinds of homes are available near Kettle Falls?

The area includes homes inside town, manufactured homes, rural residences, timbered acreage, small farms, recreational land and properties with shops, barns or other outbuildings.

Thinking About Moving to Kettle Falls?

The Day Star Realty Team helps buyers understand more than just the house.

We help clients evaluate wells, septic systems, acreage, roads, outbuildings, internet availability, zoning, wildfire considerations and the other details that matter when purchasing rural property.

Contact the Day Star Realty Team to explore homes, acreage and real estate opportunities in Kettle Falls and throughout Northeast Washington.

Rob McClintock is a Northeast Washington real estate broker with the Day Star Realty Team. Rob has lived and worked in the region since the early 1990s and helps clients evaluate homes, acreage, wells, septic systems, access roads, outbuildings, internet availability and the practical details involved in purchasing rural property.