Columbia Mountain (Kettle Crest North) is a 6.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Republic, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, bird watching, and horses and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Nice hike with views from trail most of the way. Loop around the top of Columbia Mountain and then hike to the peak for beautiful views of the Kettles and a look at a restored fire look out. The trail is not too steep and a combination of forest and open vistas makes it a pleasant interesting hike. Leave the main trail that continues on up the Kettle Crest and hike up to the loop trail. The trail to the top is obvious and leads to the restored fire lookout and lovely views.
Large parking lot for people and horses. Pit toilets and picnic tables.
Colville National Forest, Republic
Drive from Republic or Kettle Falls on state highway 20 to Sherman Pass where a sign directs you to the parking area.
November 1, 2020A couple of the areas were unmarked and other than the smell and sight of a controlled burn obstructing the beauty and clear day it was a fun Halloween afternoon.
October 10, 2020
October 8, 2020September 1, 2020Great hike! 4 women ages 44-74, had a wonderful time!
July 25, 2020great hike!! went around jungle hill for some extra mileage and was relatively flat and easy going. the hike to the lookout is pretty steep, but worth it for the views around the loop trail! beautiful wildflowers along the entire trail.
June 22, 2020We didn’t do the complete loop and opted to go directly to the peak. There are views the entire way up and outside of the last 1/8 mile, the incline is very gradual—our 6 and 7 year olds made it without issue. It does get buggy (biting flies) at the top, so bring bug spray. Very large parking lot.
May 4, 2020Did this beginning of May, was not expecting 3 feet of snow on about half the trail. Beautiful views though.
December 27, 2019Trail was fairly fluffy in most spots, and icy in the shadows, but easily followed. Looks like I was the first on the trail today since we were making fresh tracks. Would have been much more scenic if the clouds had broken earlier in the day. Mostly cloudy, but a few breakouts of sun made for a nice day snowshoeing.
July 29, 2019Great trail, would highly recommend as an easy backpacking night! I hiked in on Sunday afternoon, didn't see anyone the whole way up, had a lovely night to myself with a beautiful sunset on Columbia mountain, camped outside the fire lookout. Lupines blooming everywhere, trail was easy to navigate and took less time than I imagined with a pack. There's also a spring just off the cutoff to the loop trail of Columbia mtn, if you were hiking farther on the kettle crest trail and needed to fill up.
June 12, 2019Did this trail three days ago. I really enjoyed the many wildflowers, and lovely views. The old fire lookout on too was interesting, but the best views were on the loop part of the trail. There was a bit of snow in the shady areas, but not hard to cross.
February 23, 2019January 26, 2019October 13, 2018I parked my car in front of the guide board facing the road because the parking was under construction. The trail was covered by snow more than I expected. Although crampons or snowshoes were not necessary, I recommend using poles. I did not see any footprint other than animals on the snow. The gold color of larch and white of snow were so beautiful but the view from the summit was not so good because of trees.
September 15, 2018Could not find the trailhead from these directions. Trails and roads are poorly marked (ie. not marked at all) in this area. Searched for over an hour and couldn't be sure of where to start.
September 21, 2017Views are on - nice clean trail --
March 28, 2017beautiful and we'll maintained. love this hike, I've done it winter and fall....I need to do a spring hike.
August 13, 2016
First to ReviewThis trail is a well maintained trail. Expect some scree on the last section actually summiting Columbia Mountain. On top you will find the ruins of the old fire lookout and a salvaged structure that the local backcountry horseman rebuilt a few years ago. This would be a great place to camp for the night.
September 20, 2020August 29, 2020August 8, 2020July 24, 2020July 22, 2020July 3, 2020September 17, 2019August 24, 2019July 14, 2019June 18, 2019March 24, 2019July 6, 2018
