Colville National Forest near Usk, WA

Monday, May 29, 2017

Today we are driving to several different places all in the Colville National Forest.

This is from the bridge crossing the Pend Oreille River at Usk, WA.

This is Box Canyon Dam. It was completed in 1955 and is a "run of the river" dam meaning it does not store any power.  It produces enough electricity to power about 36,000 homes.
The railroad trestle runs just upstream from the dam. 
Below is looking upstream back at the dam.

This pond was stocked and only young children were allowed to fish there.  This lad was having fun!

This is Sweet Creek Falls not far from the Box Canyon Dam.  It is really rushing.

This trail led up beside the falls.  The railing stopped before the trail did.  Below I took the picture standing at the edge of the falls.  You could feel the power of the water.

There was a small cave along the trail also.

There was also a trail that led to the bottom of the waterfall.  We walked it.  You couldn't really get a good picture, but you could feel the power of the water.  Dusty stuck her hand in the water and it was icy cold.

This is Leo Lake in the Colville National Forest.

We saw a sign for Crystal Falls and turned in.  Boy we were glad we did.  This too, is an awesome falls.
Below shows the multiple levels of the falls.

Our goal was to get to the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge.  We made it.  As we were driving through we got to see a moose.  It crossed the road in front of us and kept going.  Luckily Ida was able to get this picture.

Every evening of the 3 nights we stayed in Usk, we spent at Steve and Ida's.  This is their porch area.  Notice all the flowers at the back.  Ida has been missing having flowers so now she has lots.  They are all in full bloom.

On our walk after dinner we saw this snapping turtle crossing the road.  We scared it and it peed a lot.  Ha Ha

Then we also got to see this owl.  This is the same owl we saw 2 nights ago.  He is really camouflaged in the tree isn't he?

Tonight's sunset.  We have greatly enjoyed our stay here especially because of Steve and Ida.  Thanks guys for all you did and the fun we had! 

Tomorrow we actually cross the US/Canadian border.  We are excited!