By Jennifer Coleman | Photos courtesy of Republic Regional Visitors & Convention Bureau

Get ready for family fun—January 11, 2025, marks the return of Winterfest in Republic! This festive event offers a day filled with family friendly activities including a parade, outhouse races, snow sculpting, Sasquatch calling, and more.

Located just three hours north of Spokane, Republic, Washington, is a historic town known for its rich background in gold mining and logging. Tucked in a valley between Wauconda and Sherman Passes, Republic is famous for its fossil site, stunning scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities, making it a vibrant spot during every season in Northeast Washington.

Later in January, and depending on snowfall, the town hosts another exciting event—Ski Day. Sponsored by the Ferry County Rail Trail, Ski Day offers free instruction and gear for all ages, welcoming everyone to enjoy the outdoors. The 28-mile rail trail, open year-round, provides a resurfaced and restored path for non-motorized activities. On Ski Day, a freshly groomed deck and ski track await skiers, along with refreshments and a bonfire to warm up after a day in the snow.

The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway starts near Republic on SR-20, stretching east across Sherman Pass—Washington’s highest maintained mountain pass at 5,575 feet. Along this scenic route, you’ll find historic sites like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp and a log flume, as well as stunning waterfalls amid vast forests of pine, larch, and fir.