Thompson Ridge Jeep Route #107
Thompson Ridge Jeep Trail #107 traverses relatively open forest with frequent views of the Kettle Crest Range, and ends in a rocky and grassy clearing with outstanding views. The legal trail extends past the clearing and viewpoint at the north end of the trail and drops into a damaged stream area—it’s recommended you avoid this and stop at the clearing; the Forest Service is working on plans to stabilize the streambed to prevent further damage. If you choose to continue to the trail’s end, there is a user-defined bypass to the east as a temporary route to avoid streambed damage. Vehicles attempting the stream crossing should expect possible roll-overs due to the depth of the streambed and near-vertical tall clay bank—small vehicles may have to winch themselves up this bank for a safe crossing.
Highlights: There are lots of viewpoints along the trail of the Kettle Crest Range, the Canadian mountains, and toward the eastern mountains into Idaho. A rough user-defined track heads north into non-motorized lands—please use a GPS or the Avenza mapping app with the motor vehicle use map to ensure you stay on the legal trail. Future Forest Service trail developments include expanding Thompson Ridge Jeep trail to the north to make a loop route with Boulder Creek Road, but this route is currently closed to motorized vehicles.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Difficulty: Thompson Ridge Jeep trail is rated as difficult due to steep rocky slopes, rocky ledges, stream crossing with a deep hole and vertical clay bank, and tight switchbacks and boulders that make this a trail requiring careful driving. It’s recommended only for experienced drivers with 4WD, high-clearance, short-wheelbase vehicles under 72” in width. This trail is maintained once a year by the Tri-County Motorized Recreation Association, but expect deadfall, mud and water crossings. Bring saws, safety gear, and vehicle and tire tools and repair kits. This is an out-and-back route since the trail ends at the boundary of the non-motorized forest section at the north end of the trail.
Time & Distance: The Thompson Ridge trail length is 3.02 miles to the end of the trail. Allow 4-5 hours for the out and back trip.
Other routes nearby: Jackknife Mountain is open for travel and has excellent 360-degree views at the old lookout site. OHVs can be driven into the Davis Lake area, making this campground the perfect spot for your OHV vacation. You can also access Deadman Creek Road from Matsen Creek Road to Jackknife Lookout Road and beyond to the east trailheads for Mack/King and Twin Sisters Jeep trails. Note that OHVs are not currently allowed on Deadman Creek Road west of the 9565520 road, nor are they allowed on Albian Hill Road at the west ends of Mack/King and Twin Sisters Jeep trails.
No potable water.
Address: 255 W. 11th Avenue Kettle Falls, WA 99141
Phone: (509)738-7700
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Kettle Falls, go west on Hwy 395, across the Columbia River Bridge, turning right on Hwy 395. Proceed north to Matsen Creek Road—6.9 miles—then turn left on Matsen Creek Road and continue up the gravel road to the staging area.
Recreation Opportunities
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
OHV Trail Riding