Ferry County, filled with beautiful, rugged scenery, features a wide array of activities for visitors.
     Nestled in the Kettle Range between Lake Roosevelt and the Canadian border, the county offers opportunities for nearly everyone from historic sites and museums to non-motorized and motorized recreation, fossil hunting, fishing, musical events and shopping opportunities.
     For those interested in driving through Mother Nature's splendor, the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway on State Route 20 between Republic and Kettle Falls offers beautiful vistas with little traffic.
     For those pedaling their way across the county, the route through Curlew, between State Route 21 and US 395, across Boulder Pass offers views of nature with a less drastic climb.
     Republic, the county seat and the county's only incorporated city has an early 1900s look and a heritage based in the mining and logging industries.
     Originally named Eureka Gulch, Republic had a population of 954 in 2000. Noted for its fossils, natural beauty and recreational possibilities, it is nestled in a valley between Wauconda and Sherman Passes at the intersection of Washington State Routes 20 and 21.
     Republic is surrounded by National Forest lands and within short driving distance of numerous lakes and campgrounds. Hunting, fishing, bird watching, bicycling, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, boating, motorized recreational sports and fossil digging bring people to the area.
     The Stonerose Interpretive Center in Republic offers a view of the area during the Eocene Era and a Boot Hill Fossil Site where visitors can dig for their own fossils.
     Resorts and a state park offer recreational opportunities on Curlew Lake. The Ferry County fairgrounds feature a restored antique carousel and a good, old-fashioned county fair each year during Labor Day weekend.
     For motorized recreation enthusiasts, there are roads set aside for off-road vehicles on the Colville National Forest, and an off road recreation park south of Republic near Eagle Track Raceway, which offers dirt track car races on alternating weekends through the summer, and a snowmobile race in the winter.
     New in 2008 will be a motorcycle rodeo and rally at the Ferry County fairgrounds the third weekend of June.
     Other celebrations include Curlew's Barrel Derby Days the first weekend of June; Prospector Days, a community celebration in Republic the second weekend of June, and the annual Wings Over Republic Fly-in at the Ferry County Airport (Merritt Field) near Curlew Lake.
     In mid-August Republic plays host to the Mountain Music Festival and the Washington Open Fiddle Contest.
     Winterfest in January offers a variety of winter sports and indoor activities in Republic.
     There's also an annual Fourth of July fireworks display near Blacks Beach on Curlew Lake.
     The history of the city and surrounding area can be explored and enjoyed at the Republic Historical Center. The center features a collection of historical photos and exhibits that depict the area history and also the Kaufman Cabin - the oldest surviving structure in Republic.
     Murals at various places around town and historic buildings with historical signs make a walking tour of the city a history lesson in itself.
     Curlew offers an antique car and truck museum. The historic Ansorge Hotel and a restored one-lane Curlew bridge are on the National Register of Historic Places.
     There are many opportunities for hiking in the area as well. The most popular advanced trail is Kettle Crest Trail No. 13 north, which runs from the top of Sherman Pass on Highway 20 to the Boulder-Deer Creek Summit. The 30-mile route features grassy meadows, wildflowers and breathtaking views into the Curlew, Kettle and Columbia drainages.
     An easy trail is Sherman Trail No. 12, a 1.14-mile trail that climbs to the Kettle Crest through a forested area and two meadows.
     Golden Tiger Pathway, a former railroad right of way on the east side of Republic, provides a year-round motorized and non-motorized trail, while Perry Wilderness Park, with entrance on the south side of Clark Avenue behind Republic City Hall, offers day hiking trails without venturing into the forest.
     Camping areas abound and the area's lakes, streams and rivers lure anglers searching for rainbow, cut-throat and brook trout, large-mouth bass, tiger muskies and kokanee.
     Winter provides a vast array of recreational possibilities with 65 miles of groomed trails in the Empire Lake-Kelly Mountain area, 27 miles of trails in the Hall Creek area and 71 miles in the Swan Lake area plus many miles of ungroomed forest roads.
     For those wanting to bring home a little piece of Ferry County, numerous shops and galleries offer the works of local artisans.