It's Winterfest time in republic!

Grab the kids and bundle up because January 14th marks the return of Winterfest to Republic! This family friendly event includes a parade, outhouse races, snow sculpting, Sasquatch calling and more.

Republic, Washington is located just three hours north of Spokane. With a history rich in gold mining and logging, this historic town is noted for its fossil site, natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Tucked in the valley between Wauconda and Sherman Passes, there's a lot going on during the winter season in this tiny corner of Northeast Washington.

The 'Keg Pull' or Dog Pull is loads of fun for four legged friends!

Outhouse racing is a fun and hilarious event, where teams create their own unique porta-potty on sleds and race down the main thoroughfare in town.

Another fun winter event is happening later this month, on January 21st beginning at 10am. Ski Day, sponsored by the Ferry County Rail Trail, provides free instruction and gear for folks looking to get outdoors. The rail trail, which is accessible year-round, offers 28-miles of resurfaced and restored pathways for non-motorized recreation. For Ski Day, the groomed deck and ski track will be fresh and ready for skiers of all ages, along with refreshments and a bonfire to warm up at after a day making tracks in the snow.

The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway begins near the town of Republic on SR-20 and runs east across Sherman Pass - Washington's highest maintained mountain pass at 5,575 feet. Discover the historic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camp and log flume heritage site along this scenic byway and enjoy ebullient waterfalls tucked in vast forests of pine, larch and fir.

The Northeast corner of Washington might just be one its best kept secrets. Natural beauty and fascinating history abound here, and the proximity to the Kettle Mountains means endless outdoor adventure. This winter, besides Winterfest and Ski Day, visitors can snowshoe, backcountry ski or snowmobile through the quiet forest and enjoy the views of the Kettle River and mountains in this pristine Northeast corner of Washington.