If you’ve ever looked at a map and traced the Pend Oreille River all the way north until you’re practically tripping over the Canadian border, you’ve found Metaline Falls. It's a tiny town with a big personality, tucked away in the Selkirk Mountains. But here’s the thing: people usually assume the weather in Metaline Falls is just "Seattle but colder."
Honestly? That’s not even close.
While Seattle deals with that constant, drizzly "gray," Metaline Falls lives a much more dramatic life. We’re talking about a humid continental climate where the seasons don't just change; they take over. You’ve got the Clark Fork River carving through the landscape and mountains surrounding you on all sides, which creates this weirdly specific microclimate that can catch you off guard if you aren't prepared.
The Reality of Winter in the Selkirks
Winter here is real. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a commitment.
Usually, the snow starts showing up in November, and it doesn't really think about leaving until March. If you’re checking the stats, the town averages about 53 to 85 inches of snow a year depending on which weather station is being grumpy that day. December is historically the heaviest hitter.
Imagine waking up to "ice fog." It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, but it’s a regular Tuesday in January here. The humidity hits nearly 100%, the temperature sits right around 30°F, and everything gets coated in this delicate, frozen mist. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’ll freeze your eyelashes shut if you aren't careful.
Low temperatures in January frequently dip into the teens. On a "warm" winter day, you might see 33°F. It’s the kind of cold that requires actual wool, not just a trendy hoodie. If you’re heading up to Sullivan Lake nearby, expect it to be even more intense. That lake is deep—over 300 feet—and it influences the air around it, keeping things crisp and occasionally dumping extra snow on the surrounding trails.
Why Summer Is the Best Kept Secret
Now, let's flip the script.
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When July and August roll around, the weather in Metaline Falls does a complete 180. While the rest of the country is melting, this corner of Washington stays incredibly comfortable. Average highs usually peak around 84°F or 85°F.
It’s perfect.
You get these long, clear days—July averages about 17 hours of daylight—where the sun feels warm but the air stays fresh because of the elevation (about 2,000 feet). Unlike the Midwest or the South, the humidity drops to around 47% or 50% in August. It’s "dry heat" without the desert intensity.
If you’re a hiker, this is your window. The trails around Gardner Cave in Crawford State Park stay cool regardless of the outside temp. In fact, the cave itself stays a constant 39°F year-round. It’s basically nature’s air conditioner.
The Shoulder Seasons: A Wildcard
Spring and Fall are... temperamental.
In May, you might get a gorgeous 67°F day where the wildflowers are exploding across the hillsides. Then, forty-eight hours later, you’re looking at a 39°F low and a 32% chance of rain. It’s a "bring five layers or suffer" kind of situation.
Fall is probably the most visually stunning time to be here, specifically mid-to-late October. The larch trees turn this vibrant, shocking gold that looks fake against the dark green pines. The air smells like wet earth and woodsmoke.
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But watch the calendar. The first frost usually hits between September 21st and 30th. Once that happens, the lush greens of summer disappear fast. Rainfall picks up significantly in November, which is actually the wettest month on record for the area, averaging over 2.2 inches of precipitation.
Survival Tips for the Metaline Falls Climate
If you’re planning a trip or thinking about moving to Pend Oreille County, don’t just trust your phone’s default weather app.
- The "Valley Fog" Factor: Because the town sits on a rocky bench on the east bank of the river, fog gets trapped in the valley constantly during late fall and winter. You might see "sunny" on your forecast, but if you’re down by the water, you’ll be in a whiteout until noon.
- Mountain Gear is Mandatory: Even in June, nighttime temps can drop into the 40s. If you’re camping at Sullivan Lake, bring a sleeping bag rated for at least 30°F.
- Check the Passes: Getting to Metaline Falls usually involves Highway 31. In the winter, "local" weather doesn't matter as much as "pass" weather. A light dusting in town can be a foot of snow on the higher elevation roads.
Basically, the weather in Metaline Falls is for people who actually like the outdoors. It’s not moderated by the Pacific Ocean like Seattle is; it’s raw, it’s mountain-driven, and it’s predictably unpredictable.
Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading up there soon, your best bet is to pack for two seasons regardless of when you go. For a summer trip, prioritize breathable fabrics but keep a mid-weight fleece in the car for after the sun goes down. If you're eyeing a winter visit for some quiet snowshoeing or ice fishing at Sullivan Lake, make sure your vehicle has high clearance and snow tires. The town is small, and while the plows are good, the Selkirks don't play fair when a storm rolls in.