Republic, WA- Ferry County

Our first glimpse of Republic was filled with emotion- joy to finally be there after so many months of planning, pleasure to see it nestled in the mountains, excitement to see our future home town, peace & calm as we easily fell in step with the slower pace of life. Republic is brimming with small town charm! It is both county seat and the largest town in Ferry County, with an approximate population of 1,000.

Founded in the late 19th century by gold prospectors, Republic was the site of the most productive gold mines of the 20th century. In fact, the community boasts the last remaining operational gold mine in Washington State. Republic was originally christened “Eureka Gulch” in honor of the Eureka Mining District. When the town incorporated in 1900, the U.S. Postal Service rejected the name, which had already been claimed by a community in Clark County. The citizens chose the name “Republic” in honor of the era's highest producer of gold, the Great Republic mining claim. The town was then relocated slightly southeast of its original location and now overlooks the San Poil River Valley to the south, and the Kettle Mountain range to the east. It is interesting to note that all the lots in town are old mining claims! Area museums tell the interesting story.

Often described as one of the last frontiers in the American West, Ferry County combines dramatically beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes and meadows into one breathtaking package! Enjoy the Okanogan Highland splendor on some of the best road touring Driving Loops. Originally part of Stevens County, Ferry County was created on February 18, 1899 and named for Governor Elisha P. Ferry, the last territorial governor and first official governor of Washington State. Located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, Ferry County shares its northern boundary with Canada and its eastern boundary with the Columbia River. The south half of the county falls within the boundaries of the Colville Confederated Tribes and the north half is largely occupied by the Colville National Forest. With a 2008 population of only 7,700 people, Ferry County is the fourth smallest county in the state. Ferry County is economically based in timber and mining, although tourism and recreation are rapidly becoming prominent factors.

Ferry County’s climate makes it an ideal recreation destination year-round. Comfortably warm summers and cool nights, moderate snow in winter. The area provides ample opportunities to swim and fish in one of the counties many lakes and rivers-Curlew Lake, the Kettle River, San Poil River, or the mighty Columbia itself. Washington State Highway No. 20 bisects the county from east to west and is designated a national scenic byway. Highway 20 also boasts the highest navigable pass in the state at 5,575 feet- Sherman Pass- with spectacular scenery and some of the most rugged hiking trails in the state. Winter transforms the trails to cross country ski routes throughout the Kettle Mountains, with snowshoes the second most popular means of winter hiking.

We hope you'll come visit us in beautiful Ferry County Washington!