Our route for this one day road trip took us along Hwy 395 north across the Columbia River and then along the Kettle River to Boulder Creek Road. It was about 25 miles to Boulder Creek Road from home and then another 22 miles on Boulder Creek before we dropped into Curlew at Hwy 21. The Boulder Creek part of our trip took us over the Kettle River Range. In Curlew we crossed the highway and continued on Kettle Road along the Kettle River north to Customs Road crossing the Kettle river and continuing north to the Midway Border Crossing. This was another 16 miles.
There were warning signs along the road about range animals.
Approaching the highest elevation of our journey we met up with a slow full cement truck but luckily he pulled off a little after the pass and we were on the road alone again.
This section of the range was devastated by a fire in the recent past.
Back in lower elevations we dropped into Curlew.
We drove through the historical section of the little town.
It was very sleepy with no one about and few businesses still in operation.
Back along the Kettle River we continued up to the Border crossing.
We got to the tiny border crossing way too early so we circled back to try to find some spot that might include some restrooms.
Hooray for Beal Park and their humble offering.
The reflected views on the Kettle river were nice.
The Kettle River begins its journey to the Columbia River at Holmes Lake in British Columbia. It first enters the U.S. at Midway in Ferry County, Washington. It then loops down, south east, to Curlew, WA.; then heads north east to Danville, where it crosses back into Canada. The Kettle River then re-enters the U.S. at Laurier in Stevens County, where it proceeds south to join with the Columbia River, near Boyds, Washington.Â
Back to the Border and we were the first crossing of the day. I wonder just how many crossings they encounter?
We enjoyed seven and a half hours with our friends at a campground about 1.4 Kilometers from the border crossing (that is under a mile) before we turned around and reversed our route home. (I shared our time with more photos here)Â Those hours seemed to pass quickly. The campground was situated along the Kettle River. This road trip seemed centered on the Kettle River.
Our border crossings coming and going were both pleasant exchanges with the agents.
We saw more of the fire damage on our way home.
We were across the border by 4:30 pm and home by 6pm. It was a good full day.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
It was always our wish to ride a motorbike, a Honda Goldwing, on one highway or another. For health reasons, I had to sensibly give that up… but I love reading travelogues. And I’m delighted to have found this post. I think back to our dreams when I read this post.
Best regards from Heidrun
Hello Heidrun, thank you for stopping by and leaving your kind comment. I appreciate it.
I like how thorough and vivid your road trip recap is. The mix of scenic details, historical notes, and personal experiences makes the journey feel engaging and well-paced.
Thank you, Melody, for your visit and kind comment.
Hello Ellen,
Love the views and landscapes from your road trip! Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
…a fun trip, thanks for taking me along.
That was a full day of pleasant experiences. Thanks so much for taking us along.
The scenery is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your photos with all of us! It sounds like you had the perfect day trip!!
Looks like a beautiful drive. How nice to be able to spend time withfriends. 💖
What a beautiful area in which to travel, and how peaceful.
What gorgeous scenery and then to have friends waiting at the end…well, what could be better? xx
Beautiful scenery. That river was so clear, you could see the rocks on the bottom! We’ve crossed at Blaine a few times but no where else. What a fun day trip.
Thanks for sharing a piece of paradise with me – looking forward to the rest of the story!
I love seeing the countryside near you and it’s clear you are very close to the Canadian border. How sad to see all this burnt trees. B x
We would take 395 to Mammoth Lakes for 18 years from our home in Fontana, CA and from our home here in Riverside, CA. You take the best and most beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing. Hope your visit went well.
All lovely photos and how very nice to see one with you and your friends.