Sweet Creek Rest Area - Metaline Falls, Washington
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member T0SHEA
N 48° 49.462 W 117° 23.845
11U E 470829 N 5408007
Sweet Creek Rest area and interpretive trail is located between Metaline and Ione Washington on highway 31. It is about 25 km south of the Canadian and US border.
Waymark Code: WMXX0M
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 03/10/2018
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member MountainWoods
Views: 0
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This is a spectacular rest area along Hwy. 31, perfect for taking a break, enjoying a picnic under the shade trees or just a very short hike up a paved trail to Sweet Creek Falls. On those hot days of summer one may cool off in the shallow pool below the falls.

Sweet Creek Falls drops 3 times within 50 to 65 feet, creating "horsetails". During the spring and early summer, with the snow melt creating additional water flow down the falls, it is a spectacular view. There are two separate trails leading to the falls, one beginning at the south end of the rest area, the other at the north end. The north trail allows one to walk past the falls and up to the top.

This rest area and the falls are number five of nine designated Byway Sites along the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway which follows Highway 31 and the Pend Oreille Valley North from Tiger, Washington to the Canadian border.

At the parking area of the Sweet Creek Rest Area are public restrooms, picnic tables and plenty of shade trees. There is a three sided kiosk with interesting history about the Falls and the area.

NORTH PEND OREILLE
SCENIC BYWAY

The North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway is called the “Forgotten Corner” for a reason. Located in the very northeast corner of Washington State, the area seems as if time stands still. See where huge glaciers buried the ancient shoreline forever beneath the rubble of the ages and shaped the land anew. Today a great emerald river “carves its way northward around the ankle bones of mile-high, majestic mountains.”

Part of the International Selkirk Loop, this byway provides visitors with the chance to experience solitude in the Selkirk Mountains. Encounter the breathtaking scenery and wander the trails and side roads for closer views. Catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife in the area. Visitors are likely to see woodland caribou, grey wolves, grizzly bears, and bald eagles. Come and discover the legacy that local pioneers have left for modern-day residents and visitors.

Location
Begins on Hwy 31 at the junction of US 20 / US 31 at Tiger to the International Border.

Length
23 miles. Allow 40 minutes.

When to see it
Any season is the best time to visit the “Forgotten Corner.” Lush green springs and summers contrast with brilliantly colored autumns and white, snowy winters. Take the opportunity to enjoy the variety of recreational aspects of this beautiful area.

Special Attractions
Gardner Caves at Crawford State Park, Sullivan Lake, Sweet Creek Falls, Eagles Nest View Point, Box Canyon Dam, Boundary Dam, Cutter Theater & Museum, Mill Pond Flume Historic Site, Abercrombie-Hooknose Viewpoint, Tiger Historical Museum.
From the Selkirk Loop
Highway Number: Hwy;31

Common Name for the Highway: International Selkirk Loop-

Highway Access Direction: Either Direction

Rest Area Name: Sweet Creek Rest Area

Facilities:
Picnic tables, hiking trails and restrooms

Services:
None

Special Features:
Sweet Creek Waterfalls

WiFi: Not Listed
Visit Instructions:
Since the cleanliness of a facility can change over time, log entries can include your impression of the cleanliness of the facility.

Log entries can also include additional pictures of the facility and/or associated special features (e.g., vistas or historical markers) and facilities or services not mentioned in the original description.

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