Cities and Towns in Pend Oreille County, Washington
Founded in 1911, Pend Oreille County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Pend Oreille County was formed from Stevens County. The city of Newport is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Pend Oreille County has a population of 13,401 and area of 1,400 square miles (3,626 km²).
List of all cities in Pend Oreille County, WA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Cusick, WA | 99119 | 509 |
Ione, WA | 99139 | 509 |
Metaline, WA | 99152 | 509 |
Metaline Falls, WA | 99153 | 509 |
Newport, WA | 99156 | 509 |
Usk, WA | 99180 | 509 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pend Oreille County, Washington
Pend Oreille County, located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, is a rural region known for its stunning landscapes, including the Selkirk Mountains and the Pend Oreille River. The county is sparsely populated, with small towns and communities that are primarily centered around natural resources, outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit, local way of life. Below are the key cities and towns in Pend Oreille County:
Newport
Area
- 3.60 square miles
Population
- Approximately 2,100
Zip Codes
- 99156
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 48.1709° N
- Longitude: 117.0498° W
City Location and History
Newport is the county seat of Pend Oreille County, located at the confluence of the Pend Oreille River and the Priest River. Originally settled as a trading post and mining hub in the late 19th century, Newport was strategically located for its access to timber, mining, and transportation routes. The town’s growth was tied to the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway, which established Newport as an important regional transportation hub. Newport’s proximity to the river and the surrounding forests has made it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The town was incorporated in 1899, and it has remained a small, close-knit community. In recent decades, Newport has become a gateway for visitors heading to nearby national forests, lakes, and mountain trails, including the nearby Colville National Forest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Newport is served by the Newport School District, with Newport High School as the main public secondary school. The town has several educational institutions, including local elementary and middle schools. Newport is home to key landmarks like the Pend Oreille County Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the region’s indigenous people and early settlers. The town’s waterfront, located on the Pend Oreille River, is a major recreational area, offering boat ramps, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to nearby attractions such as the Priest River State Park and the Colville National Forest, which provide ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The community also celebrates the annual Pend Oreille County Fair, which features local exhibits, entertainment, and agricultural shows, reflecting the area’s agricultural and rural heritage.
Ione
Area
- 0.72 square miles
Population
- Approximately 1,000
Zip Codes
- 99139
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 48.6019° N
- Longitude: 117.5247° W
City Location and History
Ione is a small town located along the Pend Oreille River, nestled in the northeastern part of Pend Oreille County. Established as a mining and timber town in the late 1800s, Ione flourished during the area’s mining boom, particularly with the discovery of silver and other minerals. In its early years, Ione was a vital shipping point for the mining industry, with boats traveling along the river to transport goods. The town experienced significant growth during the 1900s, though the decline of the mining industry led to a more stable, rural community focus. Today, Ione maintains its historical charm while being known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and access to scenic landscapes. The town is surrounded by forests and mountains, which are popular for hiking, hunting, and fishing, making it a quiet retreat for nature lovers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ione is served by the Ione School District, which includes Ione High School and Ione Middle School. The town’s small school system is a key center for education, with a focus on community involvement and extracurricular activities. Ione is home to the Ione Community Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground for families and visitors. One of the town’s key historical landmarks is the Ione Depot, a former railroad station that has been preserved as part of the town’s heritage. Nearby, the Pend Oreille River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Outdoor recreation is a central part of life in Ione, with easy access to national forests and wilderness areas such as the Kaniksu National Forest and the Selkirk Mountains, both of which offer hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
Metaline Falls
Area
- 0.47 square miles
Population
- Approximately 200
Zip Codes
- 99153
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 48.9055° N
- Longitude: 117.3091° W
City Location and History
Metaline Falls is a small town situated near the Canadian border in the far northeastern corner of Pend Oreille County. The town is best known for its historical role in the mining and timber industries. Named for the nearby falls on the Metaline River, the town became a key point for logging and shipping throughout the early 20th century. The completion of the Washington Water Power Company’s hydroelectric project on the Pend Oreille River led to the construction of the Metaline Falls Dam in 1955, which significantly altered the local landscape. The town’s population has always remained small, and today it serves as a quiet, rural community with a strong historical and cultural connection to the surrounding landscape. Metaline Falls remains a gateway to the surrounding wilderness, including access to hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities in the nearby national forests.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Metaline Falls is served by the Selkirk School District, which includes Selkirk High School. The town is home to several local parks, including the Metaline Falls Park, which provides picnic areas and scenic views of the river and surrounding forested areas. The town’s main historical landmark is the Metaline Falls Dam, which still plays an important role in the region’s energy infrastructure. Nearby, the Pend Oreille River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The town is also close to the Kaniksu National Forest, which offers hiking trails, camping sites, and a variety of outdoor activities. Metaline Falls is also known for its quiet, small-town charm and serves as a peaceful retreat for those looking to explore the natural beauty of northeastern Washington.
Cusick
Area
- 0.73 square miles
Population
- Approximately 300
Zip Codes
- 99119
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 48.4359° N
- Longitude: 117.3340° W
City Location and History
Cusick is a small, rural town located along the Pend Oreille River in the southeastern part of Pend Oreille County. The town was originally settled by farmers and loggers in the early 1900s, and its economy has historically been tied to agriculture, timber, and mining. Cusick was named after a prominent settler in the area, and it grew as a shipping point for goods sent via the river. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad helped further develop the town’s economy, although like many towns in the region, Cusick has remained relatively small. Today, the town remains an agricultural center, with a strong emphasis on community and a peaceful, rural lifestyle. The surrounding natural beauty, including the Pend Oreille River and nearby forests, continues to attract visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cusick is served by the Cusick School District, which includes Cusick High School. The town’s schools are an important part of the local community, providing education for children from preschool through high school. Cusick is known for its proximity to outdoor recreation, particularly on the Pend Oreille River. The river is popular for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, and the nearby forests offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting. Local landmarks include the Cusick Community Center, which hosts a variety of events and gatherings, and the nearby parks along the Pend Oreille River. The town is also close to the Colville National Forest, offering expansive opportunities for outdoor activities. Cusick remains a peaceful, close-knit community with a focus on agriculture and outdoor recreation, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking a rural lifestyle.