Chewelah is located in central Stevens County, Washington, approximately 45 miles north of Spokane and 50 miles south of the Canadian border, on U.S. Highway 395. The town is situated on the floor of the Colville Valley at an elevation of 1,671 feet. The immediate surrounding area consists of productive farm land. The general terrain is mountainous bench land, forested mostly by confiers including cedar, larch (tamarack), fir and pine.
This boom town started during the 1880s, after the Old Dominion Mine had been discovered east of nearby Colville. The gold flowing from it started a stampede of prospectors who swarmed into the region.
In 1883, silver and lead deposits were discovered at Embry Camp. In a short span of time over twenty strikes were made in theis area alone. But these strikes also soon petered out and Embry Camp soon vanished and Chewelah took over as its own. By 1910 Chewelah had a population of nearly 1,500 with a wide main street bordered by handsome buildings. Unlike other mining boom towns, the mines around Chewelah kept producing ore, well into the 1950s.
Today those mines of yesteryear are nothing more then a hole in the ground and lie silent with their stories of the past. But the town today, with its old yesteryear look and bonanza history is still there today to be seen in its unique way.
Chataqua
For over 30 years, visitors have come for a fun-filled weekend known as Chataqua This is an annual fair in the center of Chewelah's downtown with the most lovely feelings about it. Chataqua has grown over the years to major Washington State festival event. Thousands of people come from all over to enjoy arts and crafts, stage events, and fabulous food like the Indian Tacos on Indian fry bread. Chataqua takes place each summer on the scond weekend of July, in a shady park with a creek running through it. It is a free four day event.
Vendors from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond work hard year-round to bring the very best crafts to Chataqua. Within Chewelah City Park, only handcrafted items are allowed to be displayed and sold. From hand painted saw blades to delicate glass blown creations; from quilts to jewelry to many other country crafted objects, you are sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.
The park pavilion features quality entertainment on Thursday and Friday evenings. On Saturday and Sunday, be prepared for afternoon and evening performances guaranteed to please every taste. The pavilion seating for 800. Local talent and others from all over help to make Chataqua memorable experience for all that come to visit. The kids are not forgotten either, with a children's pavilion and a carnival. Chataqua is made for the entire family.
Chewelah Golf & Country Club
Chewelah Golf & Country Club is a magnificent semi-private 27 hole golf course located just 45 minutes north of Spokane, Washington. The course is carved into majestic conifers, boasting plush bent-grass greens, manicured fairways, and four sets of tees to chanlleng any skill level. Located 42 miles north of Spokane on HWY 395. Turn right on Sand Canyon Road immediately north of Chewelah. Follow main road around "S" curve to top of hill. We are located just past the airport.
49 Degrees North
49 Degrees North is a favorite for locals in northeast Washington State. You will find 2,425 ski able acres on Chewelah Peak, with 54 runs serviced by 5 lifts. The addition of 12 cut runs and the gladed areas of East Basin has doubled the ski terrain. The trails are cut and the access lift will be built this summer. The vertical is around 1,850 feet. The Chair 2 terrain park is one of the longest in the Northwest.
Major Events and Festivals
Coming Soon!
Information
City of Chewelah
301 East Clay Street
P.O. Box 258
Chewelah, WA 99109
(509)935-8311
Chewelah Chamber of Commerce
204-A East King Street
P.O. Box 94
Chewelah, WA. 99109
(509)935-8991