Chewelah

Chewelah is located in the beautiful Colville Valley adjacent to the Colville National Forest, a 45-mile scenic drive north of Spokane and 50-miles south of the Canadian border. The town was founded in 1873 and at that time, its economy was based on the mining industry. In the early 1900's, the Chewelah magnesite plant was said to be the largest producer of that mineral in the world. Later in the early 1900's, the timber industry and agriculture also began to play important economic roles in Chewelah. As these industries began to decline after the 1970's, Chewelah shifted its economic focus towards recreation, tourism and small manufacturing ventures. As a result of this shift, the relatively low cost of living, and the attributes of a smaller rural community, Chewelah has rapidly become a town of choice for those who place a high premium on quality of life, family values, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Within the immediate area of Chewelah you will find a very family oriented mountain resort renowned for its winter skiing, a half dozen lakes suitable for swimming and fishing, the USFS Colville Nat'l Forest that offers camping, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, etc., a superb golf course, and two gambling casinos. Various festivals and special events are held throughout the year highlighted by the Chataqua Festival --a four day outdoor festival of the arts held on the 2nd weekend in July. All of this in an uncrowded, unhurried atmosphere.