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Alert: On Oct. 1 the federal government began a partial shutdown that will impact National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges and U.S. Forest Service lands in Washington. Here's the latest information we have for hikers and campers. 

Riverside Canyon Overlook

Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
 48.9177, -117.3327 Map & Directions
Length
0.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
100 feet
Highest Point
2,270 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
The viewing platform. Photo by Holly Weiler. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

A short, easy trail leads to a dramatic view of the Pend Oreille River Canyon near the Canadian border. Continue reading

Rating
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3 trip reports for this trail

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Hiking Riverside Canyon Overlook

In 2023, the U.S. Forest Service and Seattle City Light opened two new overlook areas designed to meet Forest Service accessibility guidelines: Riverside Canyon and Peewee Falls. Construction of the overlooks fulfilled one of the requirements under Seattle City Light’s license to operate Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille River. 

The trail from the parking area descends through a few switchbacks, leading to a viewing platform with benches where you can relax and enjoy the view of the magnificent Pend Oreille Canyon. You’ll notice the river flows due north at this location. It enters Canada a few miles to the north before turning west and joining the Columbia River.

A 9-mile hiking trail connecting the Riverside Canyon and Peewee Falls overlooks, also funded by Seattle City Light, is nearly complete as of 2025.

Toilet Information

  • Toilet at trailhead
  • Accessible toilet

More information about toilets

Wheelchair Accessibility

The parking area at Riverside Canyon Overlook has space for 12 to 15 cars, including van-accessible parking and accessible toilets and picnic tables. The wide trail to the overlook is compacted gravel and was designed to comply with Forest Service trail accessibility guidelines. Parts of the trail may be steep for some wheelchairs, so you may want a helper.  The spacious viewing platform is wheelchair accessible.

Hike Description Written by
Mary Hartman, WTA Correspondent

Riverside Canyon Overlook

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.9177, -117.3327 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Metaline Falls, drive north on WA-31 for 6.1 miles. You’ll see a sign for a left turn to Riverside Canyon Overlook (Forest Road 172, a good gravel road). Continue for 1.2 miles. Turn right on the entrance road leading to the parking area.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range

Colville National Forest, Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/colville/recreation/riverside-canyon-overlook

USGS Sullivan Lake

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Right-of-Way On Trail

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Practice Leave No Trace on Trail and in Camp

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Last day to enter our photo contest is Oct. 6
Photo by Erynn Allen

Riverside Canyon Overlook

3 Trip Reports

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