About Rickey Rapids
Rickey Rapids is a named waterfall in Stevens County, Washington, located about 6.1 miles southwest of Kettle Falls. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Bangs Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°32′37″ N, 118°08′34″ W (48.54351, -118.14277). Historical sources also record the name Grand Rapids. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Rickey Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), Rickey Canyon (valley, 0.4 mi), and Cougar Canyon (valley, 1.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Meyers Falls, 5.1 miles to the northeast.
Name history: Name changed from Grand Rapids to Rickey Rapids in 1821.
Weather at Rickey Rapids
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Rickey Rapids
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Rickey Rapids. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rickey Rapids. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Rickey Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Rickey Canyon — valley, 0.4 mi
- Cougar Canyon — valley, 1.2 mi
- Roper Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Hallam Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- South Fork Roper Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 48.54351, -118.14277. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Rickey Rapids
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rickey Rapids located?
Rickey Rapids is in Stevens County, Washington, about 6.1 miles southwest of Kettle Falls. Its coordinates are 48.54351, -118.14277 (48°32′37″ N, 118°08′34″ W).
What town is closest to Rickey Rapids?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Kettle Falls, WA, about 6.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Rickey Rapids?
The closest is Meyers Falls (5.1 mi northeast). Others within reach include Kettle Falls (historical) (6.8 mi), Sherman Creek Falls (11 mi), and Douglass Falls (12 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Rickey Rapids?
Rickey Rapids appears on the USGS Bangs Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.