Pend Oreille County

Pend Oreille County is an administrative division in the northeastern corner of Washington, bordering Idaho and British Columbia. The region is connected by five major highways, including U.S. Route 2 and State Routes 20, 31, 41, and 211.

The county was established on March 1, 1911, when it separated from Stevens County as the last of Washington's 39 counties to be formed. This late creation meant the area had been administered as part of other counties before gaining its independence.

The county takes its name from the Pend d'Oreilles people, who wore large shell earrings as an important part of their identity. This heritage remains visible in how the area remembers and honors its original inhabitants.

Much of the region is federal land, including parts of Colville National Forest, so visitors should be aware of potential restrictions in certain areas. A car is essential for exploring the county, as the road network connects scattered communities across the landscape.

Only about a third of the county's land is privately owned, while over half belongs to the federal government. This unusual distribution means the landscape remains largely shaped by conservation priorities rather than private development.

Location: Washington

Inception: 1911

Capital city: Newport

Shares border with: Boundary County, Bonner County, Spokane County, Stevens County, Regional District of Central Kootenay

Website: http://pendoreilleco.org

GPS coordinates: 48.53000,-117.28000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07