The East and West Sullivan Lake campgrounds are located along the scenic north shore of Sullivan Lake near the town of Metaline Falls, Washington, on the Colville National Forest. These campgrounds provide a unique environment where campers can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, sailing, and many other outdoor activities.

For hikers, the 4.2-mile Lakeshore Trail, which is a designated National Scenic Trail, is accessible on the east side of Sullivan Lake at East Sullivan Lake Campground and follows the east shore of the lake to the Noisy Creek Campground. The nearby Salmo-Priest Wilderness offers multiple day-outings with excellent hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

The USDA Forest Service-designated Mill Pond Historic Site, located 2 miles north of the campgrounds, details the early history of Metaline Falls through a series of interpretive signs. Historic features include a wood flume, a cabin and ruins of a second cabin, a blacksmith shop, and the Mill Pond Dam. Part of the interpretive trail traverses the top of the Mill Pond Dam.

Near the Sullivan Lake campgrounds, International Selkirk Loop scenic drive offers numerous attractions for travelers, such as wildlife, waterfalls, state parks, and museums. In addition, several forest road systems in the immediate vicinity offer impressive views of the Selkirk Mountains.

To reach the campgrounds, take Washington Highway 31 north through Metaline Falls. About 1 mile north of Metaline Falls, turn onto Sullivan Lake Road and drive 6.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 22. To reach the East and West Sullivan Lake Campgrounds turn onto Forest Road 22 and proceed .2 miles. To reach the Noisy Creek Campground, continue along Sullivan Lake Road until you reach the south end of the lake.

Credits and Sources:

Colville National Forest. “Sullivan Lake Group Campground.”

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=74085&actid=29.  

Perrin, Natalie, and Heather Lee Miller. “Sullivan Creek Hydroelectric Project, Powerhouse.”

Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Level II Documentation report, February 28, 2013. Prepared by Historical Research Associates for the Pend Oreille Public Utility District. On file with Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Olympia.

Photographs courtesy of USDA Forest Service, Colville National Forest.