Road trip to Republic, Wash., this fall for the ultimate weekend adventure
Cover photo courtesy of S. Michal Bennett
A fall trip to Ferry County, if you time it right, begins with a stunning display of golden western larch trees blazing across the mountains as you climb up and over Sherman Pass on Highway 20. Larches typically turn on their brilliant foliage firework display in the first two weeks of October. There are several historic sites, scenic overlooks and trailheads along this stretch of often empty highway where you can stop to soak up the views and stretch your legs on a winding singletrack trail.
When you arrive in Republic, find your way to the Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site located right downtown. Spend some time at the interpretive center checking out the fossils on display and learning about the fossil site before paying for your admission. You’ll need to rent or bring your own rock splitting tools, then walk the short distance to the Boot Hill Fossil Site. Spend the afternoon digging and splitting your way through shale in search of 49 million year old fossils. Common fossil finds include leaves and twigs, with more rare discovery of insects and ancient rose fossils possible. Stonerose is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 31. Spend the evening exploring Republic on foot, enjoying a pint at Republic Brewing Company, and hunting down a tasty meal before hitting the pillow at your hotel or campground of choice.
Bring your bikes for the following day and take advantage of the cooler fall weather for a ride on the Ferry County Rail Trail west of Republic. The mostly gravel-surface trail stretches for 28 miles through upland forest and along wetlands, Curlew Lake, and the Kettle River. There are several trailheads where you can start your out-and-back ride of whatever distance you want, but be sure to include riding the 770foot trestle over Curlew Lake. After your ride, enjoy the scenic drive home up and over Sherman Pass. The Stonerose website (Stonerosefossil.org) has a visitor page with lodging, dining and other visitor info for planning your Republic road trip.
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