Kettle Crest Trailhead
This is a day-use trailhead, not a campground. Overnight camping is discouraged and campfires are prohibited. The facility is open year-round, 24 hours daily. A Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required December 1 through March 31.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Bead Lake Boat Launch Closure
Effective June 8, 2026, through June 26, 2026, Bead lake boat launch will be closed during the weekdays for maintenance and improvements. The boat launch will remain open on weekends during this time.
Food Storage Order
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. This can lead to…
Tacoma Creek Spur Road Closure
For public safety and resource protection forest road closures are in place in the Tacoma Creek Fire area.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order
Camping is prohibited for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annually within the Colville National Forest.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order
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 year-round maintained pass in Washington State, at approximately 5,575 feet elevation in the Kettle River Range. The trailhead provides primary access to the Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail #13, which runs both north and south along the scenic ridgeline. The surrounding landscape still shows evidence of the 1988 White Mountain Fire. This is a day-use trailhead, not a campground. Overnight camping at the trailhead is discouraged, and campfires are prohibited. The facility includes upper parking for passenger vehicles (15-20 spaces) and lower parking for trucks, RVs, and horse trailers (5-7 spaces). A vault toilet and trail registration boxes are available, but no potable water. During winter months (December 1 through March 31), Sherman Pass functions as a Sno-Park requiring a Washington State Sno-Park Permit. Nearby Sherman Overlook Campground, located one mile east, offers 9 developed campsites with toilets and potable water for those seeking overnight accommodations in the area.
Directions
From Kettle Falls, WA: Travel US Highway 395 to State Route 20. Follow SR 20 west for 25 miles to Sherman Pass. Turn right on the trailhead access road.
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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 684-7000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Kettle Crest Trailhead |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!