Back in 1980, Ryan Lake and its adjacent campgrounds and wilderness area was supposed to lie outside the predicted blast zone for the impending eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lake lies a bit more than twelve miles from the mountain, and geologists had designated only 10-mile radius as a "red zone" around the volcano.

But volcanoes don't consult with geologists before cracking open their domes. So, on May 18th of that year, when St. Helens finally erupted, the effects of the blast were felt well beyond their predicted radius. And Ryan Lake was not spared.

Sadly, three campers backpacking through the local complex of trails did not make it out in time.

Today, the area around Ryan Lake remains much as it was immediately after the blast. Toppled trees are everywhere. There is thick ash underfoot, and wherever you walk on the short six-tenths of a mile trail around the lake, you will see evidence of that day.

The grounds have been turned into a self-guided interpretative center. There are signs along the way to inform visitors of the extent of the devastation (one sign sits by a a tree stump, which, turned over on its side, is twelve feet high).

But the signs also outline the forest's ongoing recovery, and the efforts to aid that recovery by the Forest Service, volunteers, and even the timber industry itself.

Nowhere, though, will you see mentioned the three individuals who lost their lives here some thirty-five years ago. But when you visit, you'll be walking in their footsteps.

It is a magnificent place, full of wild beauty and the evidence of nature's ferocious power. And for those three people, who must have loved the wilderness as much as any of us who walk there, I can think of no more fitting memorial.

Ranches in Kettle Falls

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Recommended hotels in Kettle Falls

Columbia Point Resort

Kettle Falls

Jason

$128 nightly

Jan 2 - Jan 3, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Modern. Private. Spacious. Fully stocked. Family friendly. Cozy. RV hookup.

KETTLE FALLS

Danielle L.

$245 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Cozy apartment nestled in the hills of Kettle Falls overlooking Lake Roosevelt.

Kettle Falls

"This property is located on beautiful acreage with many trees. It is very private. The hosts are friendly and very responsive. The beds are comfortable and there is air conditioning, which we appreciated because it was hot and smokey from a nearby wildfire.The cooking facilities are very limited. There is no range or cooktop. We used the old hot plate to boil water, but I would not try to cook a meal on it. There is a microwave that could be used to nuke prepared meals.The lighting in the living...

Susan D.

$233 nightly

Dec 9 - Dec 10

Total with taxes and fees

Muncton Mountain Lodge

Kettle Falls

Devin m.

$687 nightly

Dec 9 - Dec 10

Total with taxes and fees

8,500 sq.ft. Luxurious River/Mountain View house

Kettle Falls

$812 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Selkirk Motel

Colville

Edward

$118 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Benny's Colville Inn

Colville

Pat

$132 nightly

Dec 9 - Dec 10

Total with taxes and fees

Trapper cabin

Northport

Patricia B.

$133 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Grandma Jo’s

Northport

Shannon P.

$143 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Trails End

Northport

Patricia B.

$133 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

The station

Northport

Logan

$143 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Curlew Earth Home 2BD w/ Valley & Mountain Views

Republic

Silas W.

$238 nightly

Dec 20 - Dec 21

Total with taxes and fees

Charming 2-bedroom house in beautiful Republic with infrared sauna.

Republic

David L.

$146 nightly

Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

..........

Colville

$9,759 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Riverside Custom Home - Black Bear Lodge

Northport

Evangeline W.

$794 nightly

Dec 15 - Dec 16

Total with taxes and fees

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Top Kettle Falls Hotel Reviews

Selkirk Motel

10/10 Excellent

"Clean, comfortable room and a very friendly and welcoming staff. The warm cookies were wonderful."

Country Living 6 miles from Colville, easy access, on a beautiful large pond!

10/10 Excellent

"Great country home with a pond right off the deck! We had deer visit us in the yard as well as ducks and geese in the pond. Full kitchen, 2 bath rooms and very comfortable beds. Thank you to our Host"

Charming Waterfront Pine Cabin on Curlew Lake

10/10 Excellent

"This was an absolute pleasure to stay at. What a lovely home. The view was stunning. The wildlife on the lake was fun to watch. We got to see baby otters play on the dock. The location is great. Host was extraordinarily friendly and helpful. Seamless check in and out. Beds were comfortable with plenty of extra blankets and pillows. Towels were plentiful and this place was white glove clean. Well exceeding my expectations. We definitely hope to return."

Find out more about Kettle Falls

Kettle Falls Ranches information

Number of reviews	1,209
Accommodation	0 Ranches
Lowest Price	$129
Highest Price	$10,481

Ranches in Kettle Falls

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Ranches in Kettle Falls

Recommended hotels in Kettle Falls

Columbia Point Resort

Modern. Private. Spacious. Fully stocked. Family friendly. Cozy. RV hookup.

Cozy apartment nestled in the hills of Kettle Falls overlooking Lake Roosevelt.

Muncton Mountain Lodge

8,500 sq.ft. Luxurious River/Mountain View house

Selkirk Motel

Benny's Colville Inn

Trapper cabin

Grandma Jo’s

Trails End

The station

Curlew Earth Home 2BD w/ Valley & Mountain Views

Charming 2-bedroom house in beautiful Republic with infrared sauna.

..........

Riverside Custom Home - Black Bear Lodge

Top Kettle Falls Hotel Reviews

Selkirk Motel

Comfort Inn Colville

Benny's Colville Inn

Modern. Private. Spacious. Fully stocked. Family friendly. Cozy. RV hookup.

Quiet, Comfy Columbia River Viewspot: Full Kitchen, Grill, Yard; Dogs OK

Country Living 6 miles from Colville, easy access, on a beautiful large pond!

Columbia Point Resort

Centrally located for all your activities!

Charming Waterfront Pine Cabin on Curlew Lake

Find out more about Kettle Falls

Kettle Falls Ranches information

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