BY Derrick Knowles
Bald Mountain. // Photo Eric Zamora courtesy Conservation NW
EXPLORE THE KETTLE RIVER RANGE Our Guide to A Nearby Backcountry Hiking Bonanza
Hoodoo Canyon. // Photo James Jacobson courtesy Conservation NW The Kettle River Range Mountains are a beautiful and remote slice of backcountry heaven in our ever growing and developing corner of Washington. Nestled between the towns of Republic and Kettle Falls just south of the Canadian border in the Colville National Forest, the Kettle Range is a place where many go to relax for a weekend in a quiet Forest Service campground and hike along uncrowded mountain trails. Also known as the Kettle Crest or the Kettles, the mountains are a sub-range of the Monashee Mountains to the north, and have long been popular with hikers from the Spokane area looking for a nearby outdoor adventure fix. Despite its reputation as a classic backcountry hiking destination, the Kettles still have the feel of an undiscovered wilderness Shangri-La. The hikes, camping, and other adventures referenced here are just a small sampling of the many outdoor adventures to be had in these mountains. 18
Out There Monthly / August 2011
(See “Getting There—Driving Directions” near the end of this article to learn how to find each specific location listed here.)
DAY HIKES IN THE KETTLE RANGE
-----------------------------------------------------Many of the hikes in the Kettles, especially up on the Kettle Crest, can be challenging for the occasional hiker. But even a short walk up many of these trails can lead to fantastic mountain views, wildflower meadows that can rival Manito Park’s Japanese Gardens, humbling encounters with old-growth trees older than the U.S. Constitution, and the chance to watch all sorts of birds and spot other wildlife. Most of the hikes in the Kettle Range are within a two and a half hour drive from Spokane, making them doable as day hikes, but more enjoyable when paired with one of the recommended backcountry campgrounds to make a weekend out of it.
13 Mile. // Photo James Jacobson courtesy Conservation NW > Columbia Mountain Lookout The occasional sounds of passing traffic at Sherman Pass below will hardly be noticed as you soak up the views of the dramatic summits of the Kettle Crest to the south, the Cascades far to the west, and the distant peaks along the Selkirk Crest east in North Idaho. A recently reconstructed historic fire lookout cabin that was first built in 1914, along with even better views, awaits those who push on to the top. Follow the Kettle Crest Trail north from the trailhead for about an hour and look for the spur trail on your right that accesses the summit and a loop around the mountain. Return the way you hiked up. Round trip: 8 miles Elevation gain: 1200 feet Difficulty: Moderate-to-difficult Finding the Kettle Crest Trailhead at Sherman Pass: The trailhead is on your left as you drive the short access road to the main parking area,
a few hundred yards from where you will park your car. > Emerald Lake/Hoodoo Canyon After a several mile walk past towering Ponderosa pines and granite rock formations you will stumble upon aptly named Emerald Lake tucked down in this forested canyon. Take a dip or wander the shores looking for the tracks of moose, deer, bear and other wildlife. Start hiking at the trailhead on the east side of the Trout Lake camping area near the lake, and slowly climb for several miles until you reach the junction with the steep spur trail descending down to Emerald Lake on your left. Return the way you came. Round trip: 6.2 miles Elevation gain: 650 feet Difficulty: Moderate (great family hike) Finding the Trailhead: The trailhead is on the east side of the Trout Lake camping area near the lake.