
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to escape the noise and busyness of city life. Northeast Washington is home to some hidden gems—small towns where tranquility and natural beauty are in abundance.
I’ve explored this region and discovered ten secluded towns that offer the perfect retreat into nature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful vacation spot or considering a move to somewhere more serene, these towns provide a unique blend of solitude and charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
10. Danville: Quiet Border Town Escape

Danville is a tiny community with an approximate population of just around 34 people. Nestled right against the Canadian border, I’ve found it to be the epitome of a peaceful escape.
The area is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding Colville National Forest. The local economy is minimal, with a small general store and border crossing facilities being the main establishments.
What makes Danville truly secluded is its remote location far from major highways and urban centers, offering a tranquil lifestyle where you can genuinely disconnect. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the serenity of a small, close-knit community.
Where is Danville?

Located in Ferry County, Danville sits right along the U.S.-Canada border in Northeast Washington. Its seclusion comes from being tucked away in a remote part of the state, with miles of forest and mountain ranges surrounding it.
To get there, you’d likely travel along Highway 21, the main road that passes through this quiet region. The nearest significant town is Republic, about 35 miles south, making Danville a true escape from the hustle and bustle.
9. Curlew: Seclusion by the Kettle River

Curlew is a small town with an approximate population of about 120 residents. Set along the banks of the Kettle River, I’ve enjoyed the serene riverside environment it offers.
Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in fishing, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Curlew Lake State Park. The town’s main activities revolve around outdoor recreation and a few local businesses that cater to travelers and residents alike.
Curlew’s seclusion is enhanced by its distance from major cities and the surrounding dense forests, providing ample privacy and a strong connection to nature. It’s a haven for those looking to escape to a quieter, simpler lifestyle by the river.
Where is Curlew?

Nestled in the northeastern part of Washington State, Curlew is close to the Canadian border in Ferry County. Its secluded nature is due to its location amidst the rugged landscapes of the Kettle River Range, with limited access routes.
To reach Curlew, you can take Highway 21 north from Republic, winding through scenic mountain roads. The isolation and natural beauty of the area make it a perfect spot for those seeking peace away from urban life.
8. Orient: Life Off the Beaten Path

With a population of around 115 people, Orient is a peaceful rural community that I’ve found ideal for solitude seekers. The town offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding forests.
There’s a small post office and a few local businesses, but the main “industry” is really just living quietly amid nature.
What makes Orient truly secluded is its removal from city hustle, nestled among rolling hills and dense woodlands with minimal development. If you’re looking for a place where you can truly unplug and soak in the serenity of nature, Orient might just be your destination.
Where is Orient?

Orient is located in Ferry County, Northeast Washington, close to the border with Canada. Its seclusion stems from its remote setting along Highway 395, far from any major urban centers.
Getting there involves a scenic drive through forested landscapes and along the Kettle River. The town’s distance from bustling cities and its tranquil surroundings make it feel like a world apart.
7. Chesaw: Okanogan Highlands Hideaway

Chesaw is a tiny community with a population hovering around 50 residents, nestled in the Okanogan Highlands. I love its remote charm, with expansive landscapes and minimal development.
The area is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and in winter, snowmobiling across the snowy highlands. The main activities include small-scale ranching and an annual rodeo that brings the community together.
Chesaw’s seclusion comes from its location miles away from larger towns and its setting amidst rolling hills and meadows, making it an ideal hideaway for anyone craving open spaces and quiet nights under the stars.
Where is Chesaw?

Situated in Okanogan County in Northeast Washington, Chesaw lies near the Canadian border, tucked away in the highlands. Its out-of-the-way location contributes to its sense of seclusion, with few roads leading in and out.
To get there, you’d travel east from Oroville along the Chesaw Road, enjoying a scenic drive through rural landscapes. The remoteness and sparse population make Chesaw a perfect retreat from the busier world.
6. Inchelium: Wilderness Retreat

Inchelium has a population of about 400 people and is a place where I’ve found a true connection with nature. Surrounded by lush forests and near Lake Roosevelt, it offers a secluded haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and immersing oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the Colville Confederated Tribes. The local economy is primarily based on tribal operations and services, including a community center and schools.
What makes Inchelium secluded is its remote location within the Colville Indian Reservation and the expansive wilderness that envelops it, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the noise of modern life.
Where is Inchelium?

Located in Ferry County in Northeast Washington, Inchelium sits on the eastern side of the Columbia River’s Lake Roosevelt. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding forests and the lack of major highways nearby.
To reach Inchelium, you’d typically take a ferry across Lake Roosevelt from Gifford, adding to the sense of remoteness. The town’s unique location and accessibility make it a wilderness retreat that’s both serene and culturally rich.
5. Rice: Where Open Spaces Abound

Rice is a small community with an estimated population of around 200 people. I’ve always appreciated its vast open areas and low-density living, making it ideal for anyone seeking ultimate privacy.
The area is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The main enterprises are agriculture and small-scale ranching, keeping the landscape largely untouched.
Rice’s seclusion comes from its expansive properties and minimal development, allowing residents to enjoy wide-open spaces and a deep connection with nature.
Where is Rice?

Rice is located in Stevens County, Northeast Washington, along Highway 25 near the Columbia River. Its secluded nature is due to its rural setting and the rolling terrain that separates it from larger towns.
To get there, you’d drive along winding roads that offer stunning views of the river and countryside. The absence of urban distractions and the vast landscapes make Rice a peaceful haven for those looking to embrace a quieter way of life.
4. Gifford: Riverside Peacefulness

Gifford is a quaint community with around 70 residents, situated along the Columbia River’s eastern bank. I’ve enjoyed the tranquil riverside lifestyle it offers, with spacious lots that provide plenty of privacy. Residents can engage in fishing, boating, and picnicking by the river.
There are a few local businesses, including a general store and a ferry landing, but the area remains largely undeveloped, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere.
Gifford’s seclusion comes from its riverside location and the surrounding natural landscapes, offering a serene environment where the sound of flowing water is a constant companion.
Where is Gifford?

Located in Stevens County, Gifford sits along Highway 25, north of the town of Inchelium. Its seclusion is partly due to the ferry that connects it across Lake Roosevelt to Inchelium, limiting direct access.
To get there, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the river or take the free ferry service. The town’s riverside setting and limited connectivity make it an ideal spot for those seeking peace away from busy roads and crowded places.
3. Laurier: Borderline Bliss

Laurier is a tiny community with a population of just about one or two people—yes, you read that right! Situated right on the Canadian border, I’ve found it to be a spot of untouched natural beauty.
While there’s not much in terms of amenities, the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the solitude of the great outdoors.
The lack of major industries keeps the area pristine, and its seclusion is undeniable. Being so close to the border yet so far from urban centers, Laurier offers a unique, peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Laurier?

Laurier is located in Ferry County, at the northern terminus of U.S. Route 395 before crossing into Canada. Its secluded nature is due to its remote position along the border and the dense forests that envelop it.
To get there, you’d drive north on Highway 395 through miles of scenic landscapes. The minimal traffic and proximity to vast wilderness areas make Laurier a perfect spot for those seeking borderline bliss in a serene setting.
2. Malo: Mountain Serenity Awaits

Malo is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 30 residents. Tucked into the mountains of Ferry County, I’ve found that it provides a tranquil setting perfect for those yearning for expansive, quiet landscapes.
Outdoor activities abound, including hiking, snowshoeing, and exploring the nearby Kettle River Range. The mainstays of the local economy are small-scale agriculture and timber, maintaining the area’s rural feel.
What makes Malo secluded is its mountainous terrain and the sparse population, offering a serene environment where one can truly relax and enjoy nature’s bounty.
Where is Malo?

Located along Highway 21 in Ferry County, Malo sits north of Republic and south of Curlew. Its seclusion is due to its mountainous surroundings and the limited number of residents.
To reach Malo, you’d travel through winding mountain roads that offer breathtaking views. The town’s remote location amidst the hills makes it an ideal hideaway for anyone looking to escape to the serenity of the mountains.
1. Tiger: A Hidden Gem in the Forests

Tiger is an unincorporated community with no official population count, as it’s considered a ghost town. Hidden deep within the forests of Pend Oreille County, I’ve discovered that Tiger offers peaceful surroundings far from urban noise.
The area is enveloped by dense forests and is perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. There’s a historic general store and museum, but no significant industries remain, which contributes to its secluded ambiance.
What makes Tiger truly special is its deep-forest seclusion, offering a quiet retreat where the modern world’s hustle feels worlds away.
Where is Tiger?

Tiger is located at the junction of Highway 20 and Highway 31 in Northeast Washington. Its secluded nature comes from its location amidst expansive forests and the lack of nearby towns.
To get there, you’d take a scenic drive through wooded areas, often feeling like you’re journeying back in time. The remoteness and the enveloping natural surroundings make Tiger a hidden gem for those wanting to get away from it all.