Valley: Local History and the North Huckleberry Mountains

Valley brings together local history and the nearby North Huckleberry Mountains. As you plan your trip, you can choose between focusing on historical topics or heading toward the mountains. If you’re looking for a hotel in Valley, you might first consider whether the town’s development or the mountain region will shape your stay.

Place Name and Early Development

Valley got its name because it lies in the Colville Valley at the entrance to the main valley to the north. On July 29, 1891, Daniel C. Corbin platted Valley as the Spokane Falls & Northern Railway was being built. This places an explanation of the town’s geographic name alongside a precisely dated step in its development; the platting took place during the railroad’s construction. Platting means dividing land into individual lots; here, it refers to the organization of land, not to a building itself.

Schoolhouses in Valley

The “Little White Schoolhouse” in Valley was built in 1916 as an addition to the original schoolhouse, built in 1905, on its grounds. Of Valley’s three historic school buildings, only the addition remains.

The Valley Schoolhouse was moved to the Valley Fairgrounds on July 15, 2020. This exact date adds a later change of location to the schoolhouses’ construction dates.

Other Historical Landmarks

The Old Valley Cemetery was the first cemetery in the Valley area and is also known as Abrahamson Graves. Kulzer's Mercantile was built in 1908. The cemetery and mercantile building add other historical landmarks and different aspects of local history to the story of the schoolhouses.

Valley Fair: Origins and Present-Day Goals

The first Valley Fair was held in 1932 as a school event. The Valley Community Fair Association aims to preserve an “old-fashioned” fair atmosphere, strengthen community spirit, and provide young people in the region with learning opportunities. It also promotes interest in agriculture, livestock, and rural life. The Fair’s origins as a school event and the Association’s present-day goals offer two perspectives: its beginnings and its community, educational, and agricultural themes.

The North Huckleberry Mountains and Access

The North Huckleberry Mountains are near Valley and are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). From Valley, access runs west along Waitts Lake Road and Klines Meadow Road for 8.75 miles to the boundary of public BLM land. The distance refers to the route to this boundary. Road conditions and seasonal access may change; check road, management, and access conditions before your trip.

Trip Planning and Hotel Search

Explore more destinations: Loon Lake, Northport, Kettle Falls

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