Overview

The Kettle Crest North is a spectacular 29-mile high-elevation traverse through the remote Kettle River Range in northeastern Washington's Colville National Forest. Part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, this route contours around 11 peaks and summits the 12th—Copper Butte at 7,140 feet, the highest point in the range and sixth tallest in Eastern Washington. The trail stays high, rarely dipping below 6,000 feet, offering continuous panoramic views across sage-scented meadows, subalpine parkland, and old-growth forests.

This is classic dry-side Washington backpacking: big views, minimal crowds, excellent stargazing, and a distinctly different character from the wet, forested west side of the Cascades. The trail showcases a mosaic of landscapes shaped by fire, with remnants of the 1988 White Mountain Fire and earlier burns creating open vistas and wildlife habitat. Backpackers can expect to see cougar, moose, mule deer, and black bear cruising the high country.

The Kettle Crest North is best suited for experienced backpackers comfortable with water planning, exposure to afternoon thunderstorms, and navigating occasional blowdowns. The payoff is solitude, 360-degree views from multiple 7,000+ foot peaks, and some of the finest ridge walking in Eastern Washington.

Permits & Regulations

No permits are required for backpacking the Kettle Crest North. However, a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day/$30 annual) is required for parking at the Sherman Pass trailhead during summer months. From December 1 through March 31, a Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required instead.

Standard Colville National Forest dispersed camping regulations apply: camp at least 100-200 feet from trails and water sources, maximum 14-day stay in one location (then move at least 5 road miles), and practice Leave No Trace principles. Campfires are allowed but discouraged at high elevations—check current fire restrictions before your trip. Bear-resistant food storage is strongly recommended; while bear canisters aren't mandatory, proper food storage is essential as black bears are active throughout the range.

This is open rangeland with active cattle grazing permits, so expect to encounter livestock near water sources and tapped springs. The trail is also open to horses and mountain bikes, though equestrian and bike traffic is generally light on the northernmost sections.

Best Season

Mid-June through mid-October is the optimal window, with the trail typically snow-free by late June. The best backpacking conditions occur during two shoulder season windows: mid-June to mid-July (peak wildflowers, cooler temperatures, reliable water) and mid-September through mid-October (fall colors, crisp nights, fewer bugs).

July and August offer the most stable weather but can be hot and dusty, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular occurrence. Water sources become less reliable as summer progresses, requiring more careful planning by August. Wildflowers peak in late June through early July, carpeting the high meadows in brilliant displays.

Snow typically begins accumulating in late October, transforming the area into popular backcountry skiing and snowshoeing terrain through April. Spring snowmelt can linger into early June at higher elevations and north-facing slopes. Always check current conditions before your trip—the Forest Service occasionally issues closures due to extreme fire danger, lightning-caused fires, or hazardous tree fall after storms.

Water & Resupply

Water planning is the most critical aspect of Kettle Crest backpacking. Tapped springs occur every 4-6 miles along the trail, but this is open cattle country—expect cows congregating around water sources, and some springs are maintained in poor condition by grazing leaseholders. Filter all water without exception.

North of Snow Peak Cabin, water sources are numerous and generally reliable through early August. South of the cabin, springs become fewer and farther between, requiring careful planning and potentially carrying 2-3 liters between sources during late summer. Notable water sources include the piped spring near the Jungle Hill Trail junction (ice-cold, reliable) and various seasonal streams that may dry up by August.

Resupply options are limited. The nearest towns are Republic (17 miles east of Sherman Pass on Highway 20) and Kettle Falls (20 miles west). Republic offers basic groceries at Anderson's Market (limited selection), lodging (Northern Inn, Klondike Motel, Prospector Inn), and restaurants. For more extensive resupply, drive to Colville (30 minutes from the trailhead area). There are no on-trail resupply points or mail drop options.

The Snow Peak Cabin, located roughly midway along the route at 6,400 feet elevation, can be reserved through Recreation.gov for $30/night (sleeps 4). The cabin provides a wood stove, table, cots, propane cook stove, and basic cookware but no water—you must bring or filter your own. It's accessible via a 3-mile spur trail in summer.

Hazards & Challenges

Lightning exposure is the most serious hazard on the Kettle Crest North. The trail runs along exposed ridgelines for much of its length, and afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months. Plan early starts to reach high points by late morning, and be prepared to descend quickly if storms develop. Monitor weather forecasts and avoid hiking during periods of high lightning risk.

Black bear activity is common throughout the range. Hang food properly or use bear-resistant containers, especially when camping near water sources where bears congregate. Cougar sightings occur occasionally—travel in groups and make noise in brushy areas.

Trail conditions vary by section and season. Blowdowns and windfall are common, particularly after winter storms, though the Forest Service and Backcountry Horsemen volunteers maintain the trail regularly. Expect to navigate around or over occasional fallen trees. The trail tread is generally well-defined and easy to follow, but carry a map and GPS/compass as connector trails and junctions can be confusing.

Fire history shapes this landscape—the 1988 White Mountain Fire burned 20,000 acres from White Mountain to Sherman Pass, and more recent fires (including the 2025 Snow Peak Fire) have affected sections of the range. Check current closure information before your trip, as active fires can close trails or trailheads during summer.

Dust can be intense during dry periods, especially on popular sections near Sherman Pass. Cattle grazing means potential encounters with livestock and degraded water sources—give cows space and always filter water.

Getting There

The most common starting point for northbound thru-hikes is Sherman Pass on Highway 20, with the exit point at Boulder-Deer Creek Pass to the north. This requires a car shuttle or two vehicles.

Sherman Pass Trailhead (South): From Republic, drive west on Highway 20 for 17 miles to Sherman Pass. From Kettle Falls, drive east on Highway 20 for 20 miles. The Kettle Crest Trailhead parking area is on the north side of the highway at the pass (elevation 5,575 feet). The lot accommodates 15-20 vehicles and 5-7 vehicles with trailers. Facilities include vault toilets, information boards, and trail registers. No water available.

Boulder-Deer Creek Pass Trailhead (North): From Highway 395 near Orient, drive west on Boulder Creek Road (County Road 602) for approximately 12 miles to the pass. From Curlew, drive east on Boulder Creek Road to the summit. Paved parking for 20 vehicles with vault toilet.

Road Conditions: Both trailheads are accessible via paved highways and county roads suitable for all vehicles. No high-clearance requirements. Roads are well-maintained and open year-round to the trailheads, though winter access requires snow tires or 4WD.

Nearest Airports: Spokane International Airport (120 miles south) is the nearest major airport. Smaller regional airports exist in Penticton, BC (80 miles north) and Wenatchee (150 miles southwest).

Shuttles: No commercial shuttle services exist for this remote area. Plan on a two-car shuttle, leaving one vehicle at each trailhead. The drive between Sherman Pass and Boulder-Deer Creek Pass takes approximately 1.5 hours via Highway 20, Highway 21, and Boulder Creek Road.

Tips

Start early each day to avoid afternoon lightning exposure on ridgelines. Many experienced hikers plan camps in forested sections below peaks, summiting in early morning for sunrise views before thunderstorms develop.

Copper Butte, the highest point at 7,140 feet, makes an exceptional campsite for stargazing—look for established sites just below the summit with unobstructed 360-degree views. The old sheepherder camp near the Jungle Hill Trail junction offers good camping with a reliable piped spring.

Carry a water filter with backup treatment (tablets or UV), and plan your daily mileage around water sources. Download offline maps showing spring locations and note that some springs marked on older maps may be seasonal or degraded.

Consider hiking this trail in sections rather than all at once—the 10-mile stretch from Sherman Pass to Columbia Mountain makes an excellent weekend backpack with multiple bailout options. The full north section is typically completed in 2-3 days by strong hikers, or 3-4 days at a more relaxed pace.

Summer temperatures can exceed 85°F at midday on exposed sections, while nights frequently drop into the 30s or low 40s even in August. Pack layers and sun protection. Bugs are generally minimal compared to Western Washington, but mosquitoes can be thick near water sources in early season.

The Kettle Crest is a hidden gem that sees a fraction of the traffic of popular Cascade trails. Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer near-total solitude. Weekend crowds concentrate around Sherman Pass and Columbia Mountain; hike north into the more remote sections for guaranteed solitude.

Plan Your Trip

Select Your Route