Lonesome Highway — Pend Oreille River Road to Sullivan Lake via the Selkirk Mountain Bench
Grizzly country, glacial lakes, Washington's wild northeast.
The Pend Oreille River valley in Washington’s far northeast corner is one of the least-trafficked river corridors in the lower 48 — a fact that makes no sense once you’re actually there, because it’s gorgeous. This route follows gravel and two-track forest roads east from the river valley near Ione, climbing through mixed conifer and old-growth cedar into the Colville National Forest before dropping to Sullivan Lake — a deep, clear glacial lake hemmed in by the Selkirk Mountain bench on the east and the Shedroof Divide on the west. The Shedroof Divide Trail runs along the ridge above, and the Salmo-Priest Wilderness is just to the northeast, one of the last places in the lower 48 where grizzlies still wander south out of Canada.
The forest roads are well-maintained gravel with some rougher two-track connectors that require high clearance — 4WD is strongly recommended given the wet conditions that persist into July in this corner of Washington. This is not a desert road; mud is a real factor spring through early summer. Best season is July through October. No permit required. Sullivan Lake Campground is managed by the USFS and has water; dispersed camping is available throughout the Colville NF. Metaline Falls has basic fuel and supplies. Cell service is spotty in the valley and gone on the high bench.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 42 mi / 67.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Metaline Falls, Washington |
| Land manager | Colville National Forest, USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Sullivan Lake Recreation Area |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is workable here, but low-range capability matters on the steeper bench sections. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires will have more margin on the rougher dirt segments and any water crossings running high from snowmelt.
When does the route typically open and close for the season?
July through October is the reliable window — upper elevations near 5,800 ft hold snow into late June most years. Don't push it past October; early snow and mud on the bench can turn a moderate trail into a recovery situation fast.
Do I need any permits or passes to run this route and camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the route, but dispersed camping in Colville National Forest follows standard 14-day limits with a 200-foot buffer from water sources and roads. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30 annual) is required if you park at Sullivan Lake Recreation Area trailheads.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The climb up onto the Selkirk bench is the crux — loose gravel, off-camber sidehills, and tight tree clearance make it the place where poor tire choice or low confidence in 4WD operation becomes obvious. It's not technically extreme, but it's exposed and there's no easy bailout once you're up top.
Is there any reliable water resupply on the route, or do I need to carry everything from Metaline Falls?
The Pend Oreille River and Sullivan Lake are both accessible on this route, and there are seasonal streams on the bench, but treat everything — this is active grazing and grizzly country. Top off your carried water in Metaline Falls and don't count on any source being running or safe without a filter.
Trail track
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