Loon Lake, WA

Located about half an hour north of Spokane along Highway 395, Loon Lake is a scenic waterfront community tucked into the pines of Stevens County. With fewer than a thousand year-round residents, life here moves at a relaxed, unhurried pace. The lake itself is the main draw, surrounded by quiet bays, wooded shorelines, and family-friendly resorts where locals spend their summers boating, swimming, and fishing for kokanee and trout.

The area got its start in the late 1800s as a hub for logging and early homesteaders, and that neighborly small-town character has stayed intact. The historic 1929 Old Loon Lake Schoolhouse still stands as a beloved gathering spot, hosting seasonal events and community archives. It is an easy fit for anyone wanting fresh air, water recreation, and a tight-knit neighborhood while keeping Spokane close enough for daily commutes or weekend shopping.