Overview
The Kettle Crest Trail traverses 42 miles across the Kettle Range in Colville National Forest, one of the longest maintained ridgeline trails in Washington east of the Cascades. The northern section from Sherman Pass is the most accessible starting point, running north along an open crest with consistent views east into the Selkirk Mountains and west across the Columbia Plateau.
The Kettle Range is different from the volcanic Cascades or the granite Selkirks: ancient metamorphic rock covered in western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir, with open ridgeline terrain that stays accessible to hikers of varying experience levels. In late September and October, the western larch creates one of the finest fall color displays in the Pacific Northwest.
The Route
Sherman Pass to First Crest Views (Mile 0 to 1.5)
From the Sherman Pass Trailhead on Highway 20, the trail immediately climbs onto the crest. The first viewpoints appear within a mile, looking east toward the Selkirk Mountains and Colville River valley.
Crest Walk to Edds Mountain (Mile 1.5 to 5.0)
The trail follows the ridgeline north through open larch and pine forest. The terrain undulates gently along the crest, with few sharp climbs. Edds Mountain (6,432 ft) is reached at about mile 5 and offers one of the clearer summit viewpoints on the northern section.
North Crest Section (Mile 5.0 to 6.1)
The trail continues north to the natural turnaround at a saddle before the next major descent. This section has the most open terrain and the best long-distance views toward Canada.
Return via the same route.
When to Hike
June through October covers the primary season. The high crest is typically snow-free by late June.
September through mid-October is the prime fall color period for western larch. The larch needles turn brilliant gold; this is Washington's best accessible fall larch destination.
July and August are reliable but the ridgeline is exposed and hot on sunny afternoons.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2.5 liters of water. Seasonal water sources exist at saddles between ridges but can be unreliable by late summer; carry enough from the trailhead. Individual hydration needs vary.
Wind layers are important on the exposed crest. Download offline maps for the full trail if planning a multi-day section.
Trailhead Access
Sherman Pass on Highway 20 is Washington's highest paved mountain pass and is well-signed and accessible. The trailhead has a paved parking lot and vault toilets. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking (as of 2026).
No permit required for hiking or dispersed camping. Dogs allowed on leash.
Nearby
The Sherlock Peak Trail is also accessible from the Kettle Crest system and provides a peak summit option within the same general area. The Grassy Top Lookout Trail accesses the southern Kettle Crest from a different trailhead.
Check current conditions and fall foliage timing at Checking Conditions Before You Go. Follow Leave No Trace 7 Principles on this popular ridgeline trail.