If you’re looking for a road trip that’s packed with waterfalls, lakes, forests, and tiny towns with big personalities, this loop is perfect for you.
It starts in a lively city, winds through epic nature spots, and loops round to one of the prettiest mountain lakes in the state.
Along the way, you’ll find places to hike, swim, paddle, snap photos, eat snacks by the river, and maybe even ride a historic train.
This isn’t one of those “drive-all-day-and-see-nothing” routes, instead it’s full of cool places to stop at and explore.
So grab some road trip snacks and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through northeast Washington.
1. Spokane
Spokane sits in eastern Washington, just 20 miles from the Idaho border, and it’s the second-biggest city by population in the state after Seattle.
It’s famous for the roaring Spokane Falls right in the middle of downtown, the super walkable Riverfront Park with a 1909 Looff Carousel, and being the birthplace of Father’s Day.
You’ll also find cool spots like the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, a ton of public art, and easy access to mountains, rivers, and lakes all around.
2. Nine Mile Falls
About 20 minutes northwest of Spokane, Nine Mile Falls is a small town with big outdoor energy and loads of natural beauty.
It’s named after the historic Nine Mile Dam on the Spokane River, and the area’s packed with hiking trails, picnic spots, and wildlife watching at Riverside State Park, which is one of the largest state parks in Washington.
If you’re into kayaking, fishing, or just soaking up views of basalt cliffs and pine forests, this quiet spot is a total win.
3. Long Lake (Lake Spokane)
Just 25-minutes down the road from Nine Mile Falls, you’ll hit Long Lake (also called Lake Spokane), a 24-mile-long reservoir that feels like a hidden gem.
This lake was formed by the Long Lake Dam and is awesome for boating, paddleboarding, tubing, and lazy summer swims.
It’s got calm, warm water that’s perfect for all-day float sessions.
There are tucked-away beaches, quiet coves, and even spots where you can camp right by the shore, so it’s ideal if you’re chasing that chill lake life vibe.
4. Fort Spokane
Keep cruising northwest and you’ll reach Fort Spokane, where history meets serious views at the spot where the Spokane and Columbia Rivers meet.
Built in 1880 as a military outpost, it later became a Native American boarding school, and you can still walk through the original buildings and check out the small but fascinating visitor center museum.
It’s part of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, so after soaking up the history, you can hit the nearby trails, go swimming, or launch a kayak right into the river.
5. Kettle Falls
From Fort Spokane, head north to Kettle Falls, a small town with deep roots and a big connection to the Columbia River.
It used to be the site of massive salmon runs that brought Native tribes from all over the region, and while the original falls were submerged by the Grand Coulee Dam, you can still learn all about it at the Kettle Falls Historical Center.
Today, folks come here for epic fishing on Lake Roosevelt, hiking in Colville National Forest, and lazy afternoons at nearby Sherman Creek Campground.
6. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
Just 30-minutes southwest of Kettle Falls, the road winds into the wild, forest-filled wonderland of Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge.
This 42,000-acre refuge is packed with lakes, creeks, and aspen groves, and it’s the only national wildlife refuge in Washington that’s totally in the mountains.
Bring your binoculars because you might spot moose, black bears, elk, or even bald eagles while hiking the 2.9-mile Bear Creek Trail or paddling around Bayley Lake.
7. Crystal Falls
Just a short drive from the refuge, Crystal Falls is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roadside stops that’s totally worth pulling over for.
The 30-foot waterfall crashes down into a rocky gorge right next to Highway 20, and you can hear it roaring before you even see it.
There’s a small pullout for parking and a short path that gets you up close, so it’s the perfect quick break to stretch your legs and snap some epic photos.
8. Ione
Keep heading northeast for 30-minutes and you’ll roll into Ione, a tiny town along the Pend Oreille River that’s big on charm and full of small-town surprises.
In this town, you can hop aboard pedal-powered rail bikes for scenic trips along the Pend Oreille River, with views of forests and trestle bridges along the way.
In the summer, locals and visitors hang out at the riverfront park, go fishing, or rent kayaks for a peaceful float with mountain views in every direction.
9. Sullivan Lake
Just a few miles past Ione, Sullivan Lake is the kind of spot that makes you want to unpack a hammock and stay awhile.
Surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, this glacier-fed lake is about 1,300 acres and perfect for swimming, kayaking, and skipping rocks from the sandy shoreline.
There’s a 4.2-mile trail that loops partway around the lake, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of mountain goats hanging out on the cliffs above.
10. Newport
From Sullivan Lake, head south and you’ll land in Newport, a border town where Washington and Idaho meet and the vibe is pure small-town magic.
It’s got a cute downtown with local shops, a historic train depot museum, and the Pend Oreille River running right through it—perfect for a sunset walk along the shoreline.
If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss Newport’s annual Rodeo, featuring events like bull riding and barrel racing, complete with axe-throwing and some seriously good fair food.
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