Cities and Towns in Ferry County, Washington

Founded in 1899, Ferry County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Ferry County was formed from Stevens County. The city of Republic is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Ferry County has a population of 7,178 and area of 2,204 square miles (5,708 km²).

List of all cities in Ferry County, WA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Boyds, WA	99107	509
Curlew, WA	99118	509
Danville, WA	99121	509
Inchelium, WA	99138	509
Keller, WA	99140	509
Kettle Falls, WA	99107	509
	99160	509
Kewa, WA	99138	509
Laurier, WA	99146	509
Malo, WA	99150	509
Orient, WA	99160	509
Republic, WA	99166	509

Major Cities and Towns in Ferry County, Washington

1. Republic

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.7 square miles
• Population: Approx. 1,000
• Zip Codes: 99166
• Latitude: 48.6470° N
• Longitude: 118.6909° W

Location and History:

Republic is located in the northeastern corner of Washington state, nestled between the Selkirk and Kettle mountain ranges. It sits at the confluence of the Sanpoil and Columbia Rivers, and its history is deeply rooted in mining. The city was founded in the late 19th century during the gold rush, after the discovery of gold in the surrounding hills. Republic became a key mining town in the early 1900s, attracting prospectors and settlers from all over. By the 1920s, Republic was a thriving town with a bustling economy based on mining, timber, and agriculture. However, as the mines played out, the town’s economy diversified into forestry and tourism. Today, Republic is known as a gateway to the nearby wilderness areas, such as the Colville National Forest and the Kettle River Range.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Republic is served by the Republic School District, which includes Republic High School, offering both academic and vocational programs. The district also includes a middle school and elementary schools. The city’s landmarks include the Ferry County Historical Center, which showcases the town’s mining history and its role in the development of the region. The nearby Republic Mine, which was active during the gold rush, is another popular historical site. Republic also has access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Colville National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Kettle River Range, known for its rugged beauty, provides additional opportunities for outdoor activities, including backcountry hiking and wildlife watching. Republic’s charming small-town atmosphere and historical significance make it a popular stop for visitors exploring the area’s mining past and natural beauty.

2. Kettle Falls

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.3 square miles
• Population: Approx. 1,500
• Zip Codes: 99141
• Latitude: 48.5966° N
• Longitude: 118.1091° W

Location and History:

Kettle Falls is situated in the northeastern part of Ferry County, along the Columbia River, where it takes its name from the “kettle” or kettle-shaped rock formations found near the river. The town is located at the point where the Columbia River narrows, creating rapids and a natural fishery. Historically, the area was a significant Native American fishing ground, especially for the Colville Confederated Tribes. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, drawn to the area’s strategic location for trade and its rich natural resources. Kettle Falls grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a regional transportation hub. The town was a vital part of the mining, fishing, and timber industries. Today, Kettle Falls is a small community with a focus on tourism and agriculture, as well as serving as a gateway to the nearby Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Kettle Falls is served by the Kettle Falls School District, which includes Kettle Falls High School, offering both academic and athletic programs. The district also operates several elementary and middle schools. One of the major landmarks in Kettle Falls is the Kettle Falls Historic Site, which commemorates the town’s role as an important fishing and trading post for Native Americans and early settlers. The nearby Kettle Falls Dam, part of the Columbia Basin Project, provides hydroelectric power and offers a unique view of the Columbia River and the surrounding area. Kettle Falls is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, particularly in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, which is known for its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The Columbia River Gorge, with its scenic views and diverse wildlife, is another key attraction for visitors to the area.

3. Curlew

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.6 square miles
• Population: Approx. 300
• Zip Codes: 99118
• Latitude: 48.7883° N
• Longitude: 118.6165° W

Location and History:

Curlew is a small town located in the far northeastern corner of Ferry County, near the Canadian border. The town is situated in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains, alongside the Curlew Lake. Originally settled in the late 1800s, Curlew was established as a mining and agricultural community. The discovery of gold in the area during the late 19th century led to a short-lived gold rush, although the town’s economy quickly turned to timber and agriculture. Curlew was officially incorporated in 1905, and for much of the 20th century, it remained a small, remote community with a population dependent on logging, farming, and tourism. The town remains a quiet, rural enclave, with its economy continuing to rely on agriculture, forestry, and outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Curlew is part of the Curlew School District, which serves the local community with a small K-12 school that focuses on personalized education and community involvement. The town’s major landmarks include Curlew Lake State Park, a popular recreational area that offers opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park is a significant draw for visitors and residents alike, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Curlew’s rural charm, with its proximity to Curlew Lake and the surrounding wilderness, makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region’s natural beauty. Nearby, the Kettle River Range offers additional hiking and wildlife watching opportunities, making Curlew a gateway to the larger wilderness areas of northeastern Washington.

4. Republic (Unincorporated Area)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: Varies
• Population: Approx. 700
• Zip Codes: 99166
• Latitude: 48.6500° N
• Longitude: 118.6910° W

Location and History:

The unincorporated area around Republic, often referred to as “Greater Republic,” is located in the surrounding rural areas of Ferry County. This region is historically tied to the mining legacy of the town of Republic, as it contains various small homesteads, ranches, and farming operations that were established during the gold rush era. The area’s economy was initially centered on mining, but as the mines closed, agriculture and forestry became more dominant. Over time, the area has become a popular location for people looking for more secluded, rural living, while still being within a short distance of the city of Republic. The unincorporated areas feature many small cabins, farms, and ranches, with many properties also serving as recreational homes.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

While the unincorporated area around Republic does not have its own schools, it is served by the Republic School District, where children attend the same schools as those in the city of Republic. Key landmarks in the area include the scenic Sanpoil River, which flows through the surrounding countryside and offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant, with residents and visitors frequently exploring the Colville National Forest and the nearby Kettle River Range. The area also boasts some historic homesteads, many of which are located along dirt roads that weave through the region’s rugged, forested terrain. These areas are becoming increasingly popular for ecotourism, as visitors are drawn to the natural beauty and the opportunity for solitude.

5. Inchelium

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.1 square miles
• Population: Approx. 700
• Zip Codes: 99138
• Latitude: 48.1612° N
• Longitude: 118.6703° W

Location and History:

Inchelium is located on the west bank of the Columbia River, along the border of Ferry County and the Colville Indian Reservation. The town’s name is derived from the Inchelium people, part of the larger Colville Confederated Tribes. The area was originally inhabited by the Colville people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Inchelium’s history is closely tied to the tribal lands, with the town serving as a point of connection for the Colville Tribes’ rich cultural traditions. The town grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as European settlers moved into the region for mining and timber. The economy has historically been based on agriculture, fishing, and timber, and today it continues to be an important hub for the Colville Tribes.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Inchelium is served by the Inchelium School District, which includes Inchelium High School, where students can engage in academic programs and extracurricular activities. The town is located near several cultural landmarks, including the nearby Colville Tribal Museum, which offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Colville people. The town also provides access to outdoor recreation along the Columbia River, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The surrounding Colville National Forest offers extensive hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making Inchelium a popular destination for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of northeastern Washington. The area also features several historic sites that are significant to the local Native American tribes, including traditional fishing sites along the river.