Ione WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ione, Washington.
1. Lions Club Excursion Train
SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEY
The Lions Club Excursion Train offers visitors a charming journey through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Ione. Passengers enjoy an enclosed car experience with knowledgeable guides sharing historical information and points of interest along the route. The train ride provides a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty and historical significance.
2. Tiger Historical Center & Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Tiger Historical Center & Museum is housed in the historic 1912 Tiger Store, serving as a window into the area's rich past. The center features a museum, gift shop, and blacksmith reproduction display, making it an educational stop for history enthusiasts. It also functions as the Visitor Information Center for the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway and surrounding area.
3. Serendipity Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Serendipity Golf Course offers golfers a pleasant playing experience in the scenic surroundings of Ione. The course is adjacent to Conrad's Bed & Golf, making it convenient for visitors seeking both accommodation and recreation. Golfers of various skill levels can enjoy the well-maintained fairways and greens while taking in the natural beauty of the area.
4. Sullivan Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Sullivan Lake provides numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, snowshoeing, and water activities just a short drive from Ione. The lake features multiple camping options with East Sullivan Campground and West Sullivan Campground positioned at the north end, and Noisy Creek Campground at the south end. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails that wind through cedar forests and offer beautiful viewpoints above the lake.
5. Salmo-Priest Loop
WILDERNESS BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
The Salmo-Priest Loop offers adventurous hikers a challenging backpacking experience through pristine wilderness near Ione. This trail system traverses through one of the most remote and ecologically diverse areas in northeastern Washington. Backpackers are rewarded with stunning views, opportunities to spot wildlife, and an immersive forest experience.
6. Pend Oreille River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPLORATION
The Pend Oreille River flows through Ione, offering visitors opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water recreation activities. Edgewater Campground is perched along its banks, providing a quiet, family-friendly spot for overnight stays in the Colville National Forest. The river's scenic beauty makes it a focal point for many outdoor adventures in the area.
7. Box Canyon Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL VIEW
Box Canyon Dam is an impressive infrastructure project that controls the flow of the Pend Oreille River near Ione. Visitors can observe this engineering marvel and learn about its role in power generation and river management. The dam area offers photographic opportunities and insights into the region's development.
8. Rail Riders Tours
UNIQUE RAILROAD EXPERIENCE
Rail Riders Tours provides a distinctive way to experience the historic railroads around Ione on pedal-powered vehicles. Participants travel along decommissioned rail lines, enjoying the scenic countryside at a leisurely pace. This family-friendly activity combines exercise, history, and sightseeing in one unforgettable adventure.
9. Big Meadow Lake Campground
WILDLIFE VIEWING RETREAT
Big Meadow Lake Campground, located west of Ione via Forest Service Road #2695, offers a serene camping experience with unique wildlife observation opportunities. The campground features a wildlife observatory that was reclaimed from a dismantled fire lookout and reconstructed at this site. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil lake setting while potentially spotting various species in their natural habitat.
10. Ruby Creek Resort
WATERFRONT VACATION DESTINATION
Ruby Creek Resort is scenically situated at the confluence of the Pend Oreille River and Ruby Creek in Cusick, not far from Ione. This boutique resort provides waterfront RV campsites and bunkhouse rentals with nearly 1,000 feet of water frontage. The resort caters to adventurous families, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a peaceful riverside retreat.
11. Ione Airport
PREMIER SMALL AIRFIELD
Ione Airport is considered the best small civilian airport in Northeast Washington, located just a mile south of town. The 4,200-foot runway is lit at night and can accommodate single-engine and small twin-engine planes up to 12,500 pounds. Facilities include a heliport, restrooms, and the conveniently adjacent Airport Qwikstop gas and grocery store.
12. Birdy's Scooters and ATV's
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RENTALS
Birdy's Scooters and ATV's provides rental equipment for exploring the diverse terrain around Ione. Visitors can rent ATVs and scooters to access scenic trails and off-road areas that might otherwise be difficult to reach. The business enables adventurous travelers to experience the natural beauty of northeastern Washington from a different perspective.
13. Crawford State Park
NATURAL HERITAGE SITE
Crawford State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the Ione area. The park provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature in a preserved setting. Its location at 10381 Boundary Road makes it accessible for both day trips and longer explorations.
14. Conrad's Bed & Golf
STAY AND PLAY
Conrad's Bed & Golf provides comfortable accommodations adjacent to the Serendipity Golf Course in Ione. Guests can enjoy the convenience of staying near the golf course, making it easy to maximize their time on the greens. The establishment offers a relaxing retreat for golf enthusiasts visiting northeastern Washington.
15. Ione Main Street
SMALL TOWN CHARM
Ione's Main Street captures the essence of small-town America with its collection of local businesses and eateries. Visitors can explore restaurants, a large grocery store, a hardware store, a bank, and a bulk foods store all within walking distance. This charming thoroughfare serves as the commercial heart of Ione, providing both necessities and unique shopping experiences.