Kettle Crest Trailhead
Open — Open year-round. Washington State Sno-Park Permit required December 1 through March 31. Camping at the trailhead is discouraged; no campfires allowed.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:45AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Stagnant conditions will have potential to trap pollutants near the ground with deteriorated air quality. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of pollutants near the surface.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Snow Peak and Katy Creek Fires - Area Closure Terminated
The Area Closure for the Katy Creek and Snow Peak Fire have been terminated as of October 17, 2025.
Termination Sept. 27, 2025 - Public Use Restrictions Stage 1
Public Use Restrictions Stage 1 ends on Saturday 27, 2025.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order: 06-21-00-25-01
Prohibits camping and/or long term occupancy by any person or group, within the boundaries of National Forest System lands administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest, for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annu
Food Storage Order: 06-21-00-21-02
The goal of this special order is to minimize the potential for bears and other wildlife to access human foods. Animals that have repeatedly obtained unsecured human foods can learn to associate the presence of humans with a food reward and begin to lose their natural fear of man.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order: 06-00-00-21-01
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
About
Kettle Crest Trailhead sits atop Sherman Pass, the highest pass in Washington maintained year-round, providing access to the Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. The trailhead serves hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders with upper parking for passenger vehicles and lower parking for trucks, RVs, and horse trailers accommodating 15-20 vehicles total. Multiple trails extend from this trailhead including Sherman Loop, Columbia Mountain (with a historic fire lookout), and longer loops incorporating Sherman-tie trail and Jungle Hill Trail. The area is surrounded by the aftermath of the 1988 White Mountain Fire and offers high mountain scenery along the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway. Camping at the trailhead is discouraged and campfires are not allowed. Sherman Overlook Campground is located approximately one mile east for those seeking overnight facilities. During winter months (December 1 through March 31), this site operates as a Sno-Park providing backcountry ski and snowshoe access, requiring a Washington State Sno-Park Permit.
Directions
From Kettle Falls, travel U.S. Highway 395 to State Route 20. Follow State Route 20 for 25 miles to Sherman Pass. Turn right on the trailhead access road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 684-7000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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