Kettle Crest Trailhead (Sherman Pass)
00 review.
Kettle Crest Trailhead (Sherman Pass)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Washington State Sno-Park Permit required Dec 1 to March 31. No passes required outside this time.
About this campground
Perched high in the Cascade Mountains, Kettle Crest Trailhead at Sherman Pass beckons adventurers seeking the ultimate Pacific Northwest experience. This versatile mountain gateway opens doors to endless exploration through hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking along pristine wilderness trails. While overnight camping isn't permitted and campfires are prohibited to preserve this fragile alpine environment, the trailhead serves as your launching point into Washington's breathtaking high country, accessible throughout all four seasons thanks to year-round maintenance.
Camping is discouraged at the trailhead. Nearby options include Sherman Overlook Campground (1 mile east) and Jungle Hill Trailhead (5 miles east), which supports horse camping.
Historical SignificanceThis storied mountain pass carries the legacy of American history in its very name, honoring Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. The route gained prominence in 1883 when early pioneers first traversed its challenging grades, establishing it as a vital corridor through Washington's rugged interior. Today, modern travelers follow in the footsteps of these early adventurers, experiencing the same awe-inspiring vistas that have captivated explorers for over a century.
Weather and SeasonsSherman Pass transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering visitors two distinct personalities. Winter wraps the pass in a dramatic blanket of snow, with accumulations reaching impressive depths and snow chances climbing to 27%. Arctic winds whistle through the peaks while temperatures plunge to bone-chilling lows, creating a stark but beautiful winter wonderland. Come summer, the pass reveals its gentler side, with warm, dry days perfect for trail adventures as temperatures climb to a comfortable 75°F under brilliant blue skies.
ElevationStanding as Washington state's highest year-round maintained mountain pass, Sherman Pass delivers an authentic high-altitude experience that takes your breath away—literally and figuratively. The rarified air and sweeping panoramas remind visitors they've entered a realm where eagles soar at eye level and the landscape stretches endlessly beneath towering peaks. This remarkable elevation creates a natural gateway between valleys, offering adventurers a true taste of Washington's magnificent vertical terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the Kettle River Range, where ancient forests create a living cathedral of towering evergreens. Sherman Pass rewards visitors with commanding views that stretch across rolling ridgelines and deep valleys, while serving as the primary access point to the legendary Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail. This scenic wonderland showcases nature's artistry through dramatic elevation changes, where subalpine meadows burst with wildflowers in summer and crystalline streams cascade down weathered granite faces.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Kettle River Range in Washington's Colville National Forest, this geological marvel showcases millions of years of mountain-building forces. The landscape tells an ancient story written in stone and forest, where tectonic upheaval created the dramatic peaks and valleys that define this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Dense coniferous forests blanket the mountainsides, creating a verdant tapestry that changes with elevation, from thick stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine to hardy subalpine species clinging to windswept ridges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information is provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeCamping at the trailhead is discouraged, so site size is not described.
Sites PrivacyCamping is discouraged; privacy details are not applicable.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping discouraged at the trailhead.
Best CampsitesNone mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Groups
Group camping details are not applicable.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutParking is divided into upper (passenger vehicles) and lower (trucks, RVs, and horse trailers) areas.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo specific reservation platforms mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping discouraged at the trailhead.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not specified.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The trailhead is highly popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders. It provides access to the Kettle Crest Trail #13 North and South, along with the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Multiple connector trails extend out from the trailhead, including Sherman Loop and Columbia Mountain.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible, including the Kettle Crest Trail #13 North and South, Sherman Loop, Columbia Mountain, and Jungle Hill Trail. Columbia Mountain features a historic fire lookout.Biking
The trailhead is popular among mountain bikers. No specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are provided.Winter Activities
The trailhead provides winter access to the trails, and a Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required from Dec 1 to March 31.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned as an activity.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No campfires allowed.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsExtreme winter weather conditions including heavy snow and gusty winds.
Active alertsNone mentioned.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing periods mentioned.
Trash and recyclingNo information is available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNone mentioned.
Common complaintsCamping discouraged at the trailhead; no campfires allowed.
HostNone mentioned.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Kettle Falls, WA: 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.
The trailhead and campground are accessible via paved roads. Sherman Pass is maintained year-round, making it accessible in all seasons.Nearby places
Kettle Falls, WA (25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest grocery/camping supply store and fuel station are null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Kettle Crest Trailhead (Sherman Pass) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not provided. No aggregated sentiments or themes are available.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews are available to identify positive highlights.
Common Concerns
No user reviews are available to identify common complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
No seasonal review data is available.
Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility-specific reviews are not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews addressing pet policies or pet-owner experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025