Oldtown
Tiny Oldtown hugs the Idaho bank of the Pend Oreille River, literally across the bridge from Newport, Washington. A historic timber town, it offers river access, small cafes, and a front‑row view of life on the Washington–Idaho line.
Newport
County seat of Pend Oreille County, Newport sits on the river opposite Oldtown, Idaho. Founded on timber and rail, it now mixes heritage museums, waterfront parks, and outdoor adventures, with the state line running right through its daily routines.
Priest River
Just a few miles from the Washington line, Priest River grew from logging roots at the confluence of the Priest and Pend Oreille Rivers. Today it’s a friendly base for boating, fishing, and forested getaways, with small‑town shops and annual festivals.
Blanchard
Blanchard is a quiet community in rolling forest and meadow country near the state line. Known for the Stoneridge golf resort, nearby lakes, and easy drives into Washington, it blends recreation with a laid‑back, close‑knit rural feel.
State Line
One of Idaho’s smallest cities, State Line was platted right on the border to serve travelers along the old highway—now I‑90. It’s a quirky stop with outsize notoriety, straddling regional commerce and the Spokane River at the exact state divide.
Post Falls
A fast‑growing city founded around a 19th‑century sawmill on the Spokane River, Post Falls lies minutes from Washington. Riverfront parks, Q’emiln Climbing Area, and access to the Centennial Trail make it a lively gateway between Coeur d’Alene and Spokane Valley.
Hauser
Centered on scenic Hauser Lake just east of the state line, this small city mixes lakeside cabins, water recreation, and wooded hills. It’s a peaceful border community with quick access to both Post Falls and Spokane Valley amenities.
Otis Orchards-East Farms
A semi‑rural stretch of the Spokane Valley pressed up against Idaho, Otis Orchards recalls its fruit‑growing past while edging suburban. Residents enjoy river access, Centennial Trail links, and easy cross‑border shopping and jobs.
Newman Lake
Wrapped around a spring‑fed lake right next to Idaho, Newman Lake blends cabins, year‑round homes, and trailheads into the Selkirk foothills. Once a classic resort escape, it remains a favorite for paddling, birding, and quiet border‑country living.
Liberty Lake
A modern, outdoorsy city built around namesake Liberty Lake, it sits at the Washington–Idaho edge with trail networks, golf, and regional parks. Tech firms, farmers markets, and community events give it a vibrant, family‑friendly border‑town vibe.
Spokane Valley
Stretching east toward the state line, Spokane Valley ties Washington to North Idaho’s panhandle. Shopping districts, the Centennial Trail, and river recreation anchor a city that grew from orchards and rail sidings into a major cross‑border suburban hub.
Tekoa
Nestled at the base of Tekoa Mountain, this small town sits just shy of Idaho. Its photogenic Palouse to Cascades trail trestle, historic storefronts, and quiet wheat‑country charm make it a rewarding detour near the border.
Farmington
A tiny agricultural hamlet pressed against the state line, Farmington’s grid of streets dates to the region’s early wheat boom. Today it’s a peaceful stop of tree‑lined lanes, grain elevators, and friendly hellos across the border.
Palouse
This arts‑minded small town sits amid rolling hills just west of Idaho. Historic brick buildings, cafes, and riverfront paths set the scene, while fall colors and the Palouse Scenic Byway draw photographers who often hop between the two states.
Potlatch
Built as a model company town for the Potlatch lumber empire, Potlatch lies just beyond the Washington border. Tree‑lined streets, a handsome depot museum, and quick access to bike routes embody its timber heritage and easy cross‑state connections.
Onaway
Created to house millworkers next to Potlatch, little Onaway sits a short hop from Washington in the Palouse foothills. Modest homes, a park, and local history displays preserve a slice of early 20th‑century lumber life near the state line.
Moscow
Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow blends college‑town energy with weekly farmers markets, murals, and bike culture. The Bill Chipman Trail links it to Pullman across the border, making the paired cities a seamless, cross‑state community.
Pullman
Washington State University’s hometown rolls across wheat‑covered hills just west of Idaho. Research labs, Cougar sports, and a revitalized downtown define it. Trails and transit knit Pullman to Moscow, emphasizing everyday life shared across the state boundary.
Uniontown
Settled by German Catholic farmers, Uniontown’s landmark St. Boniface Church and tidy brick buildings reflect deep roots. Set on a ridge minutes from Idaho, it offers pastoral views and quick access to regional art studios and farmstands.
Colton
A compact agricultural town overlooking the Snake–Clearwater breaklands, Colton sits close to the state line. It’s a friendly pause on U.S. 195 with school events, church suppers, and wide‑open Palouse vistas.
Clarkston
Named for explorer William Clark, Clarkston occupies the Washington bank of the Snake opposite Lewiston, Idaho. Riverfront paths, jet‑boat tours to Hells Canyon, and a busy port showcase its role as a cross‑state gateway at the confluence with the Clearwater.
West Clarkston-Highland
Set on terraced hills above Clarkston, this community looks straight across to Lewiston. Neighborhood parks, panoramic overlooks, and quick river access make it a residential counterpart to the busy waterfront below—steps from the Washington–Idaho divide.
Clarkston Heights-Vineland
A suburban plateau tied to Clarkston, the Heights mix cul‑de‑sacs, small farms, and remnants of early vineyards. Residents head down the hill to boat ramps and the port district, with Idaho’s Lewiston just across the river.
Asotin
Asotin, the county seat, sits at the mouth of Asotin Creek on the Snake—the Washington–Idaho line. It’s a quiet, historic base for anglers and for scenic drives into Hells Canyon, with a walkable main street and river views.
Lewiston
Idaho’s first capital and its only seaport, Lewiston anchors the border with Clarkston across the Snake. A revitalized downtown, the Nez Perce National Historical Park, and river cruises underline a rich confluence of trade, tribal history, and outdoor life.
