Valley, Washington — The Name Still Describes the Map

Valley occupies the broad Colville River drainage between Chewelah and Springdale, and its straightforward name remains a surprisingly good geographic description.

The flatter valley floor provided room for farms, roads and homes between forested hills. Hay, grain and livestock used the open ground while timber work extended into the surrounding uplands.

Improved roads made Chewelah, Springdale and Colville easier to reach, reducing the need for a large local commercial center without emptying the rural district.

What keeps Valley distinct is not a dramatic founding event but a durable piece of geography. The farms, homes and transportation routes still occupy the same opening between the hills that gave the community its name.