The Kettle Crest North is a 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, the 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, with near-continuous 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 character far removed from the wet, forested west side of the Cascades. Fire has shaped much of the landscape here, and remnants of the 1988 White Mountain Fire and earlier burns have left 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 the occasional blowdown. In exchange you get solitude, 360-degree views from multiple 7,000+ foot peaks, and some of the finest ridge walking in Eastern Washington.
No permits are required for backpacking the Kettle Crest North. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day/$30 annual) is required for parking at the Sherman Pass trailhead during the 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, stay a maximum of 14 days 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. Bear canisters aren't mandatory, but proper food storage matters because 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.
Mid-June through mid-October is the workable window, with the trail typically snow-free by late June. The best backpacking conditions come in two shoulder 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 bring the most stable weather but can be hot and dusty, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular occurrence. Water sources get less reliable as summer progresses, so plan more carefully by August. Wildflowers peak in late June through early July and carpet the high meadows.
Snow typically begins accumulating in late October, and the area becomes popular backcountry skiing and snowshoeing terrain through April. Spring snowmelt can linger into early June at higher elevations and on 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 planning is the most critical part 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 the 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, so plan carefully and be prepared to carry 2-3 liters between sources in 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 has basic groceries at Anderson's Market (limited selection), lodging (Northern Inn, Klondike Motel, Prospector Inn), and restaurants. For a 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, roughly midway along the route at 6,400 feet elevation, can be reserved through Recreation.gov for $30/night (sleeps 4). The cabin has a wood stove, table, cots, propane cook stove, and basic cookware but no water; bring or filter your own. It's reached via a 3-mile spur trail in summer.
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 in summer. 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 happen 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 work around or over the occasional fallen tree. The trail tread is generally well-defined and easy to follow, but carry a map and GPS/compass, because the connector trails and junctions can be confusing.
Fire has shaped 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 the popular sections near Sherman Pass. Cattle grazing means potential encounters with livestock and degraded water sources; give cows space and always filter water.
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 holds 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 a vault toilet.
Road Conditions: Both trailheads sit on paved highways and county roads suitable for all vehicles, with 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.
Start early each day to avoid afternoon lightning exposure on the ridgelines. Many experienced hikers camp in forested sections below the peaks and summit in early morning, catching 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 has 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 typically takes strong hikers 2-3 days, 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, though mosquitoes can be thick near water sources in early season.
The Kettle Crest sees a fraction of the traffic of the popular Cascade trails. Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer near-total solitude. Weekend crowds concentrate around Sherman Pass and Columbia Mountain, so hike north into the more remote sections if you want the trail to yourself.
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