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Tucked away in the Northeast corner of Washington, not far from the Canadian Border, is a mountain biking Shangri-La known as the Kettle Crest in the Colville National Forest. The eastern half of Washington is usually associated with dry, arid terrain, but the Kettle Crest area is a bit of an exception. While it is certainly drier than it’s Pacific Northwest neighbor, the area receives enough rain to produce a beautiful green landscape.
Highlighting this area is the Kettle Crest Trail itself, but we’ve assembled 5 days of riding that will give you a sampling of many other great trails in the area. The elevation here is mostly below 6000 feet, which is very manageable for most guests.
Our staff will greet everyone at the Spokane International Airport at 4pm (unless everyone flies in earlier), get everyone loaded up and we’ll head to the town of Colville and our first night’s lodging. You’re free to explore and grab dinner on your own this first night in Colville. We’ll meet at the hotel later that evening make sure that you are situated, that your bike and all your gear are ready to roll and that all your needs are being met. We will also spend some time discussing our plan for the week.
The ride starts with a pleasant open spin up St. Peter Creek. Half of the trail meanders through the site of the 2001 Leona fire, affording wide expanding vistas across the range. Tying into the Crest a short climb up and around Ryan Hill and onwards, will afford you continued stunning views of Boulder Creek drainage to the East and Lambert Creek drainage to the West. After side-winding across you reach a high point where a nice steady grade toward Copper Butte. The group will tie into Midnight Ridge Trail which is a perfect payoff with perfect grade for a super fun descent. You will roam down smooth fast track through stands of fir and old growth lodgepole pine. The sky seems to open up as you transition multiple times out of forest and into wildflower riddled open fields. This stellar trail ride ends with a switchback descent back down to Lambert Creek for a coast and cooling splash through the water. Ride length approximately 17 miles
Multiple climbs and multiple descents are the treat as this stretch of trail has everything a mountain biker could love. Beginning with a shuttle, this splendid dirt ribbon will still easily appease a rider who enjoys spinning up challenging climbs. For the rider who favors the easier side of gravity this ride will satisfy your deepest downhill desires. For the rider who appreciates both, this could be the best stretch of singletrack you have ever ridden, easily will earn consideration for top shelf ride experience of your life. The trail meanders atop the Kettle Range providing fabulous views of the Kettle Crest Mountains and Kettle River Valley. Springs provide a cooling wetland before a short climb across Profanity Peak down another joyous descent. Rocky challenging terrain, as well as a steep push up Ryan Hill will be an investment for the pure adrenaline rush that is Stickpin Trail. Dropping into from awe-inspiring vistas above the South Fork Boulder Creek drainage, you are quickly immersed in a thick dark timbered trail. A smooth quick rush of pure fun as you drop 2000' in less than 3 miles, a trail that will inspire high-fives across the group. A very pleasant easy rolling descent down South Fork Boulder Road will enable you time to reflect on the awesome journey you have took, and contemplate the greatness ahead. Ride length is approximately 30 miles.
First, a quick stopover of a short trail to some falls; followed by a drive up to the top of Thirteen Mile Mountain. Today’s recovery ride will be minimal in climbing but still provide tremendous views, and quality singletrack. During your descent down a pleasant grade, you will be afforded spectacular views of the Sanpoil River Valley, while also sweeping through numerous drainages filled with old growth pine. You will feel like the first person to ever roll tires upon the trail on this isolated gem of a trail. We end on a challenging rocky stretch as you descend through a wondrous canyon where the tour guides speed you away to the second chapter of the days adventure. After a nice meal at Swan Lake you are treated to an easy spin around the lake. During the right time there is ample opportunity to pick juicy huckleberries or thimbleberries for an extra snack. There is plenty of time to take in the quaint lake views and ample opportunity to view wildlife with an abundance of small animals and waterfowl. Ride length is approximately 19 miles.
We start with a steady climb up a shaded forest of pine and fir with a few peek-a-boo views along the way. This is a warm up as you climb to Sherman Pass and resume your climb on Kettle Crest North. This stretch of well-groomed superb trail meanders through forest, open fields, and past rocky outcrops. A quick out and back lollipop loop around Columbia Mountain provides an exquisite stretch of rocky trail along breathtaking vistas. Along the saddle on the north side of the mountain lays a hidden rocky outcrop. There a meal can be enjoyed after scurrying up to take in panoramic views. On a clear day you can see the North Cascades, all the way into Canada, and across to the mountains in the Idaho Panhandle. And it keeps getting better. Continuing along Kettle on singletrack so fun you'll dream about it while you're still riding the trail. A fun, long sweeping switchback descent to the saddle in between Columbia and Jungle Hill followed by one last grunt. As you pass a rare spring fed wetland high on the mountain you soon approach the Jungle Hill Trailhead. Another great view spot to settle for a break then get ready for yet one more epic descent. After completing this harmonious run you'll feel that you've encountered the Shangri-La of the North Americas. Ride length is approximately 18 miles.
We start with another climb up Sherman Trail this morning. Only this time at the Pass you head south. Heading up a challenging trail with just a perfect amount of rock and dirt, you spin your way through immaculate forest stands of fir and pine. A split in the trail will take you clockwise around Sherman Peak. Soon you will ride into the vast viewscape created by the 1988 White Mountain Fire. The South side of the mountain in particular will leave you breathless, with a spectacular view of Snow Peak and the Columbia River Valley. After a break to take it all in, some of the most challenging sections of rocky trail await. No shame in walking a few spots as you work your way towards Snow Peak Cabin. Reaching the cabin for a well-deserved break, take a little time to decompress after all the incredible ride experience. But we’re not quite done yet. Back to Sherman Peak only to continue the loop around the West end of the mountain. Again passing through incredible meadows, and more rocky terrain mixed evenly with smooth singletrack. One final joyous run down Sherman Trail to bookend this incredible adventure, Kettle Crest is the hidden special gem you can acquire for your special collection of riding memories. Ride length is about 18 miles.
After a great week of riding, we love to celebrate the end of the trip with a group dinner in town. We’ll shuttle back into town where we’ll spend this final night at our lodge. Take a few hours to relax and clean up, then we’ll meet at the hotel to head over to our closing dinner celebration. This is a great time for everyone to reflect on their experiences and tell war stories accumulated from the many great miles of singletrack. Cheers!
If you are leaving the next day Hermosa Tours will shuttle you to the airport for your flight home.
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