Kalispel RV Resort and Kalispel Casino Close Enough to Getaway

by Lyndsey DuBrock, Marketing Strategist, Kalispel Tribe of Indians

Dreaming of a getaway that won’t break the bank? Located a short drive north from Spokane, and nestled in the heart of the spectacular Pend Oreille River Valley is Kalispel RV Resort, where you can easily find whatever adventure you seek. Open year-round, this hidden gem is the perfect fit for all seasons. Whether you are off to snowshoe in the Selkirks or paddle the Pend Oreille, this resort is the perfect basecamp for your outdoor activities.

Drive along the picturesque International Selkirk Loop, where you will encounter enchanting mountain panoramas of these glacially formed peaks and valleys. As you travel along this scenic byway from the small town of Usk to its neighbor Cusick, you emerge from the lush forest of towering pines into a valley where vast swaths of camas flowers transform these alluring meadows into an unending sea in shades of pale blue and lavender in the late Spring-early Summer.

Let the natural splendor of Northeast Washington charm you as you wander along the countless miles of trails throughout this region. You can hike, bike, or ride to the top of Calispel Peak for unparalleled views of the entire valley from resplendent fields of wildflowers including mountain lupine and Indian paintbrush. The wide range of available trails means there is a path for everyone, regardless of ability, from beginner to expert. To the south of this area, you can visit the Indian Creek Community Forest where interpretive trails allow you to meander among the fir, cedar, and pine trees.

This valley is also home to the Pend Oreille River Water Trail, which spans 70 miles from Oldtown, ID to Boundary Dam in Washington located just south of the Canadian border. This unique waterway is one of few in the country that actually flows north. You can spend the day paddling along in this idyllic riparian paradise which is home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

From the eagles and ospreys that soar above the river, swooping down occasionally to pluck a trout or a bass from the flowing stream to the majestic tundra swans, whose annual return is a harbinger of warmer days on the horizon, this area is chock full of wildlife wonder. You may even catch sight of the elusive creature affectionally known as Sasquatch wandering the wilderness. If your timing is just right, you can join in on the fun at the annual Bigfoot Festival in Metalline Falls, which is dedicated to celebrating the internationally famous recluse that roams here “allegedly”.

If you’re looking for something with a little more high-speed action, then look no further than our area’s ATV and ORV parks which are a quick ride from the resort. Whether you’re out for a cruise in your side-by-side or seeking an action-packed afternoon on your ATV, the surrounding hills and mountains have what you’re looking for. Every summer, the Kalispel Tribe hosts an ATV poker ride up in the mountains, bringing in guests from all over to enjoy the Colville National Forests.

Once you have satisfied your need for the great outdoors, you can make plans to visit Kalispel Casino for an evening of Vegasstyle entertainment in a relaxed and intimate setting. The casino boasts over 150 slot machines and thrilling sports betting, along with Wetlands, a full-service restaurant serving up the best in local fare. If you’re over 21 and looking for a lively game of pool or shuffleboard to go with your after-adventure drinks, hit up the Slough – you will not be disappointed! For those under 21, pool and shuffleboard games are still an option, with tasty snacks available to whet your appetites.

After a night spent relaxing in one of the cozy cottages or spacious RV sites at the resort, you can head over to the Camas

Center for Community Wellness where a whole new world of indoor adventure awaits. You can scale the challenging rock climbing wall or spend the day swimming in the expansive pool area. This massive complex has everything you need to get in a quick workout or grab a game of hoops on the indoor basketball court.

On most days, you can catch a view of the Kalispel Tribe’s buffalo herd from the parking lot at the Camas Center. With over 100 head and growing, the herd is a sight that absolutely must be seen. Just be careful not to cross the fence line as these impressive but ornery creatures have been known to charge without warning. The view of the prairie spans right down to the water’s edge, and with the splendid Selkirks rising in the background, there are few places on Earth that rival the natural beauty of this place.

To learn more about Kalispel RV Resort, visit kalispelrvresort.com or call 509.447.7144. For more information about Kalispel Casino, visit kalispelcasino.com or call 833.881.7492.