Thinking About Moving to Colville?

💼Employment & The Colville, WA Job Market

When I moved here in 1994, I jokingly told my wife we had just relocated to the unemployment capital of the universe. Today, that couldn't be further from the truth. Colville boasts a robust, diverse mix of traditional manufacturing, retail, and modern remote work:



• Boise Cascade: A massive regional anchor, running both lumber and plywood mills that employ roughly 350 people depending on the season and market.

• Vaagen Brothers Lumber: A major local player employing nearly 125 workers across several shifts.

• Hewescraft & Raider Boats: High-skill marine manufacturers employing a proud workforce of local aluminum boat builders.

• The Remote Work Boom: Since Starlink satellite internet became available, it has been mind-blowing to see how many people have moved here to work from home while enjoying rural life.

• Local Infrastructure: Dozens of small businesses, large retailers, and our local school district provide steady jobs to hundreds of residents.

🏥Healthcare & Hospitals in Stevens County

When I was younger, I felt like Superman and didn't think much about healthcare. Now that I have a few miles and bumps on me, I understand the value of solid medical services. For a small town, Colville is remarkably well-equipped:



• Providence Mt. Carmel Hospital: A Level 4 trauma hospital featuring robust surgery and advanced imaging departments.

• Multi-Practice Clinics: Exceptional local clinics offer specialized healthcare services that are incredibly uncommon for a rural town.

• Top-Tier Doctors: My own primary care doctor is wicked smart and willing to let me be me—though I'm keeping their name a secret!

🛒Shopping & Everyday Necessities

You don't have to drive all the way to Spokane to get what you need. Colville combines small-town charm with big-city convenience:



• Groceries Galore: Incredible variety between Rosauers, Super One Foods, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and a Walmart Supercenter.

• Main Street: Lined with unique local boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries that provide all your daily necessities.

• Hardware & Building Centers: Several well-stocked lumber yards and home centers handle all your remodeling and building needs.

🏫Colville Schools & Educational Opportunities

If you are moving to the area with children, the community provides robust learning opportunities for every type of family:



• Colville School District: Comprehensive K-12 public education with several clean, well-maintained facilities scattered across town.

• Alternative Learning: Active private schools and a deeply supported, resourceful homeschooling community.

• Higher Education: A growing community college program offers excellent local advancement.

🩺World-Class Outdoor Recreation in Northeast Washington

If you love nature, you will never be bored here. Access to world-class recreation is right out your back door:

Golf: If you like golf have Dominion Meadows Golf Course. You can play 9 or18 holes or just practice on the driving range. Dominion Meadows has carts for rent or just carry your clubs. 

There are several tournaments each summer if you love the game that much. Im a pretty lousy golfer so a good day on the course is when I find more balls than I lose! 

• Boating & Fishing: An abundance of pristine lakes, alongside the Columbia and Kettle Rivers. Anglers can target Walleye, Trout, Bass, and massive prehistoric Sturgeon.

• The Governor’s Cup: Nearby Kettle Falls proudly hosts this annual, competitive fishing contest on Lake Roosevelt.

• Skiing at 49° North: Located in nearby Chewelah, this is an awesome, family-friendly mountain featuring numerous lifts, beautifully groomed runs, fresh air, and deep backcountry powder. It is the perfect place to make winter memories (and grab lunch at the lodge).

🥾In-Town & Remote Hiking Trails

Whether you want a casual evening stroll or a rugged alpine workout, the trail systems around Colville are phenomenal.

Family-Friendly & Easy Loops

• Dominion Meadows Rotary Trail: A smooth, broad, 1-to-2-mile loop near the golf course. Perfect for a leisurely walk, jogging, or walking dogs on a leash. Locals love this easy, accessible trail.

• Douglas Falls Nature Loop: A gentle 2.3-mile hike north of town off Aladdin Road. It winds through towering trees and lush underbrush to a beautiful waterfall. I’ve hiked this one several times—don't rush it!

• Colville Mountain Loop Trail: A 3-mile, city-owned trail right on the edge of town. It features a 900-foot elevation gain and rewards you with sweeping views of Main Street and the valley.

Moderate Day Hikes

• Sherman Peak Loop Trail: Located 30 miles west near Sherman Pass. This 5.3-mile trail hugs the Kettle Crest, offering stunning views of old-growth forests. Pack plenty of water and a lunch!

• Hoodoo Canyon Trail: A moderate-to-challenging 8.5-mile hike near Sullivan Lake. It takes some road time to get out there, so plan a full day to explore the gorgeous forested canyons.

Backcountry Treks

• Abercrombie Mountain: The second-highest peak in Stevens County (7,310 feet). A rugged 7.4-mile out-and-back trail featuring a restored fire lookout and panoramic views of the Selkirks. This one isn’t for bad knees, but the views are unmatched!

• Salmo-Priest Wilderness: Located further east, this remote backcountry wilderness features extensive alpine meadow trails like Crowell Ridge.

🎸Unforgettable Summer & Fall Community Events

Summer in Colville is entirely worth the wait. The community calendar keeps everyone entertained:



• Colville Pro Rodeo (Mid-June): A high-octane, PRCA-sanctioned pro rodeo held on Father's Day weekend. Features rough-stock events like bull and bronc riding, a massive Saturday afternoon parade through downtown, and live music.
• Colville Farmers Market (May–October): Held every Wednesday and Saturday on the Stevens County Courthouse lawn. It's a great place to shoot the breeze with vendors and buy fresh produce, honey, and artisan crafts.
• Northeast Washington Fair (Late August): A classic county fair focused heavily on 4-H and FFA youth programs. As a farm kid who grew up around livestock, I love spending time in the ag barns checking out the animals, looking at the arts and crafts, and sneaking over to the food trucks.
• FarmJam Music & Camping Festival (Labor Day Weekend): The Pacific Northwest’s premier independent country music festival. Held at 73 Oakshott Road, it transforms a working farm into a multi-day concert venue with camping, great music, and a lively atmosphere.
• Rendezvous Car Show & Cruise (September): Organized by the Auto Masters Car Club. As someone who has restored a car or two, I love seeing the incredible craftsmanship. The event fills downtown Colville with hundreds of hot rods, muscle cars, and vintage trucks for a community cruise and show-and-shine.
  

🏡Considering Relocating to Colville, WA?

Colville offers a unique mix of real estate opportunities that you don't find in larger metro areas. From historic homes near downtown Main Street to expansive acreage with mountain views, timberlands, and waterfront properties along our rivers and lakes, there is something here for every lifestyle.



Living in Colville gives you the peace of rural Washington without sacrificing the services, jobs, and community infrastructure you need to thrive. After 30 years, I'm still proud to call this place home. You really shouldn't ever be bored living here!

📈Looking for Real Estate in Colville, WA?

Whether you are buying your first home, looking for a remote work haven with acreage, or planning to retire in our beautiful valley, we are here to help. As local experts who live, work, and play right here in Stevens County, we can help you navigate the local market with ease.