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.
great 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.
We 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.
Trail 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.
Great 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.
I 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.
This 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.