Colville Tribes Road Trip
Travel through one of the largest Indigenous reservations in Washington on a Colville Tribes Road Trip. Home to 12 Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, this is a journey packed with history, scenic beauty, and man-made wonder.
From Omak, venture east 52 miles (84 km) on WA-155 south before turning left to head north on WA-21. Along the way, you will notice the influence of time and how glaciers have carved out spectacular coulees and breathtaking landscapes.
Approximately 36.5 mi (59 km) along the Sanpoil River, you’ll reach Republic, a small town in the foothills of the Kettle Mountain Range. It is here that you’ll connect with the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway and head east 36 mi (58 km) before heading south along the Columbia River on the Inchelium Hwy.
From Inchelium, travel westbound along the panoramic Bridge Creek Road, Cache Creek Road, and south on WA-155 for a 66 mi (106 km) to reach the largest hydropower producer in the United States - Grand Coulee. The Grand Coulee Dam is 550-feet-tall and by employing more than 6 trillion gallons of water, provides power to 11 states and irrigation to over 500,000 acres of land.
To return back to Route 97 in Omak, take WA-155 N through the Colville Reservation before choosing to head south toward Wenatchee or north to the Canadian border.
Not to be Missed
Chief Joseph Rest Stop
is located in Nespelem, on the scenic Coulee Corridor. It features sculptured art pieces and educational opportunities as it pays homage to Chief Joseph as well as the 12 bands of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
The Colville Tribal Museum
is located in Coulee Dam and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn the history and view collections of the Colville Confederated Tribes.
Grand Coulee Dam
is one of the largest structures ever built by mankind and home to some of the biggest turbines in the world. The Visitor Centre explains how electricity is generated and in the summer, free guided tours are offered.
Key Annual Events
Annual Earth Day Celebration (Nespelem, April)
Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show (Summer Months, Grand Coulee Dam)
4th of July Pow Wow (Nespelem, July)
Attractions & Tours
