Overview
The Flume Creek Mountain Trail accesses a lesser-visited portion of the Kettle Range in Colville National Forest, traveling through western larch and ponderosa pine forest to a summit viewpoint without the trailhead crowds common at Sherman Pass. The route is a good option for those who prefer quiet trails and are willing to accept a rougher trail surface in exchange for fewer other visitors.
The western larch is the defining tree on this route. Unlike most conifers in the Pacific Northwest, the western larch is a deciduous conifer that drops its needles each autumn. From late September through mid-October, the larch stands turn a brilliant gold before going bare, creating some of the most vivid fall color in eastern Washington. The Kettle Range hosts significant larch populations, and the Flume Creek route passes through some of the better larch stands in the southern Kettles. Hikers who time this trail for October witness a different forest than the green summer version: the gold needles carpet the trail and the open canopy lets afternoon light through in ways that the leafy season does not.
The Route
Trailhead to Mid-Forest (Mile 0 to 2.5)
From Forest Road 2040, the trail enters a mixed larch and pine forest and gains elevation consistently. The forest character changes little through this section, though the larch becomes more prominent in the mid-elevation zone between miles 1.5 and 2.5. The trail is not maintained as heavily as the Sherman Pass routes; expect occasional blowdowns and a rougher tread in places.
Forest to Summit Approach (Mile 2.5 to 3.5)
The trail opens somewhat above the primary forest zone as the gradient increases for the final push to the summit. Views develop through gaps in the canopy as the trees thin. The larch thins into ponderosa pine and then open rocky terrain on the upper slope.
Summit Area (Mile 3.5 to 4.0)
The summit area is open with views north across the Kettle Range ridgeline and east toward the Selkirk Mountains on the horizon. On clear days the view north identifies the peaks of the Kettle Crest that are reachable from Sherman Pass. The summit itself is a rounded rocky high point rather than a dramatic pinnacle. Return via the same route; the descent through the larch zone is the best section on the way back.
When to Hike
June through October is the accessible season. The trail is typically clear of snow by mid-June in most years, though the upper section can retain patches into early June.
September through October is the recommended fall season for larch color. Late September often brings the most reliable gold, though peak color varies by elevation and year. October visits require checking current snow conditions, as the summit can receive early snow while the lower larch zone remains accessible and colorful.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water. Flume Creek is accessible near the trailhead in early season, but the upper trail is dry for most of the summer and fall; carrying your full water supply from home is the practical approach. Individual hydration needs vary.
Layers are worthwhile for October visits when the summit can be cold and the lower forest is pleasant. Traction devices are useful if visiting after the first early snow of the season.
Trailhead Access
Forest Road 2040 west of Highway 20, south of Sherman Pass. The turnoff from Highway 20 is not prominently marked; using GPS to confirm the correct forest road is worthwhile. Gravel road, accessible by standard vehicles in dry conditions. No permit or fee required (as of 2026). No restrooms at the trailhead. Nearest services are in Republic, approximately 20 miles to the west.
Nearby
The Kettle Crest North Trail at Sherman Pass provides a longer ridgeline alternative in the same Kettle Range system for those wanting more miles on the crest. The Grassy Top Lookout Trail is nearby for a second-day summit with a historic fire lookout.
Check conditions at Checking Conditions Before You Go. Follow Leave No Trace 7 Principles.