Photo: Michael McLane, courtesy of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance The annual pilgrimage of mountain bikers from across the Northwest to the northeast corner of Washington known as Kettle Fest continues July 17-21. The five-day event hosted by Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and Evergreen East includes camping, trail work, and epic singletrack riding in the Kettle […]
Kettle Fest Descends on the Colville National Forest Read More »
On a recent visit to the Geophysical Trail System north of Newport, Wash., I pulled up a mapping app on my phone and proceeded to watch as my locator icon spun in circles. No, that is not supposed to happen. But my electronics were likely being impacted by the trail system’s proximity to the United
Hike of the Month: Geophysical Trail System in Colville National Forest Read More »
The hike from Trout Lake trailhead to Emerald Lake is, for the most part, a moderately-difficult, flower-lined trail featuring stately, old-growth Ponderosa pine and interesting rock outcroppings. The trail traverses a portion of Hoodoo Canyon, named for the rocky pinnacles that can be viewed both alongside and jutting out above the trail. In the early
Hiking to Emerald Lake (Colville National Forest) Read More »
It’s wonderful to save Bead Lake for the shoulder season, when the majority of the boaters have placed their pleasure crafts into winter storage and the mosquitoes have quieted down. There are usually a few warm days in September when it’s still nice to jump in the lake at the end of a hike. Even
Bead Lake, Colville National Forest Read More »
With expansive views of the Selkirks and a wildflower-lined trail, northeast Washington’s Sherlock Peak is an ideal August hike. While Abercrombie, its taller neighbor, receives all of the attention, Sherlock Peak is an equally gorgeous destination. For explorers with a little extra time, test this opinion by taking advantage of the nearby campground at Silver
Sherlock Peak, Colville National Forest Read More »
Reap the benefits of recent trail improvements (with more to come later this summer) on this long loop hike into the Salmo Priest Wilderness. Enter via Thunder Creek trail #526, where the first two miles are along an old roadbed with an easy grade through an abandoned logging unit. When the trail enters the old
Thunder Creek Loop, Colville National Forest Read More »
When choosing a fall hike, my biggest considerations are always seeing the best fall colors and finding safe trailhead access in case of changing weather conditions. That last one also suggests a third consideration: keeping myself comfortable and warm, prepared for whatever our temperamental fall season may choose to throw at me. That’s why Snow
Snow Peak Cabin: Colville National Forest Read More »
While it’s true that waterfall hikes are more spectacular in the full flow of early spring, their cooling properties can be better appreciated on a hot summer day. This hike begins by crossing an open hillside with a good view of nearby Hall Mountain, and includes a little over 500 feet of elevation gain. That’s
Elk Creek Falls and Mill Pond, Colville National Forest Read More »
The Colville National Forest is introducing a new revision to its Land and Resource Management Plan that will affect recreation uses, including hiking, mountain biking, and motorized access, as well as wildlife conservation policies for years to come. The plan, which has been in place since 1988, was developed to direct management of the forest.
Comments on Colville National Forest Management Plan Revision Due by July 5 Read More »
Quartzite is one of the most prominent natural roadside features of the drive north on Highway 395, where the rocky outcroppings form a gorgeous backdrop for the town of Chewelah. The only way to improve the view is to climb to the top and gaze down on town from more 2,000 feet above the valley
Quartzite Mountain (Colville National Forest) Read More »
