Washington Filmworks uses our Location of the Month newsletters to showcase the diversity of unique looks and resources for production in a number of jurisdictions around Washington State. Find previous installments archived on our website and on the WF Blog.

Town of Metaline Falls – July 2016

Metaline_Falls_Map

The peaceful town of Metaline Falls sits on the high banks of the Pend Oreille River in the most northeast corner of Washington State. It boasts a small community of 224 where neighbors come together to help one another. Buildings range from original structures of the early 1900’s to updated modern styles. Surrounded by rural farms, State Parks, National Forests, numerous lakes and streams, outdoor activities and experiences are abundant. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, snowshoeing, off road vehicles and the solitude of camping in the backcountry. The Pend Oreille River itself is a wide and smooth-flowing waterway that still provides areas of rapids. From the vantage of a county road, the vista looking down onto Metaline Falls and the Pend Oreille River is amazing!

Metaline Falls Weather

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

Metaline Falls has warm comfortable summers, beautiful springs, breathtaking fall foliage and mild winters.

Average Temperature:
  • January – High 30.0 F, Low 17.0 F
  • July – High 84.0 F, Low 49.0 F
Precipitation:
  • January Rainfall – 3.02 inches
  • July Rainfall – 1.15 inches

Projects Filmed in Metaline Falls

Kevin Costner’s The Postman was filmed in the area in 1997. The sites included the downtown area being totally re-fronted, several buildings created and later burned, the entire town “distressed” and The Cutter Theatre used both as a location and the headquarters for the film company.

Key Locations of Interest

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

  • Cutter Theatre, (historic building)
  • Gardner Caves
  • NuVu Theatre
  • Old Cement Silos
  • Pend Oreille Apartments (art deco facade structure)
  • Pend Orielle River
  • Washington Hotel, (historic building)

Distance to Closest Large Airport

Spokane International Airport is approximately 103 miles from Metaline Falls.

Closest Large Cities Adjacent

Photo Credit: Rosemary Daniels of R.D. Photography

Spokane is approximately 95 miles from Metaline Falls.

Relevant Contact Names & Information

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

  • Local Film Liaison – Mayor Tara Leininger, Town of Metaline Falls, (509) 446-2211, metfalls@potc.net
  • Agency that issues permits and costs – Mayor Tara Leininger, Town of Metaline Falls, (509) 446-2211, metfalls@potc.net
  • County Permits – Pend Oreille County: The County Commissioner’s Office, (509) 447-4119
  • Police or Sheriff’s Department or agency that handles traffic control – Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, (509) 447-3151

Accommodations

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

Photo Credit: Daniel Andrews

A full list of accommodations can be found here:

There are a number of Bed & Breakfasts available in the area.

About:
1411 Fourth Ave., Suite 420
Seattle,WA 98101
www.WashingtonFilmworks.org
(206) 264-0667

Washington Filmworks is the non-profit 501(c)(6) organization that manages the state film and production incentive programs. Its mission is to create economic development opportunities by building and enhancing the competitiveness, profile, and sustainability of Washington’s film industry. We do this by creating