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Recreation
The Colville National Forest offers 1.5 million acres of forest for your enjoyment, relaxation, and exploration. You can experience the solitude of hiking in the wilderness on hundreds of miles of trails, enjoy camping near others in developed campgrounds, or the solitude of camping in the back country or wilderness. The forest is also a prime location for plenty of great fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, off road vehicles, and winter activities such as cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Hundreds of miles of forest roads offer access and sightseeing opportunities.
Colville National Forest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Current Recreation Conditions
| Area Name | Status | Area Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 49° North Mountain Resort | Open | |
| 4th Of July Ridge #307 | Open | The trail to the lookout is snowed in until the end of June. |
| Abercrombie Mountain #117 | Open | |
| Abercrombie Trailhead | Open | |
| Albert Camp #375 | Open | The trail is usually snowed in until July. |
| Albian Hill Sno-Park | Open | |
| Angel Pass #344 | Open | Small turnout parking lot off of main road. Suitable for one vehicle. |
| Antoine #304 | Open | |
| Bannon Mountain Trailhead | Open | |
| Barnaby Buttes #7 | Open | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| Barnaby Buttes #70 | Open | |
| Basin Creek #360 | Open | The trail is usually snowed in until July. |
| Batey-Bould Trailhead | Open | |
| Bead Lake | Open | |
| Bead Lake #127 | Open | |
| Bead Lake Boat Launch | Closed | Trail users need to park in the trailhead ¼ mile up on Bead Ridge Road 3215. |
| Bear Pasture Trailhead | Open | |
| Bear Pot #19 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Bear Pot Trailhead | Closed | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Beaver Lake | Open | |
| Bernhardt Mine #367 | Open | Small turnout parking lot off of Forest Service Road 3900. Suitable for one vehicle. |
| Beth Lake | Closed | |
| Beth Lake #316 | Open | Northern end access available all year from a small turnout off of Chesaw Road. |
| Beth Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Big Meadow Lake | Open | |
| Big Meadow Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Big Tree #311 | Open | |
| Big Tree Botanical Area Interpretive Site | Open | |
| Bonaparte #306 | Open | The trail to the lookout is snowed in until the end of June. |
| Bonaparte Lake | Open | |
| Bonaparte Lake Campground | Closed | Group site is closed for reservations in 2021. Site available as a single use first-come first-serve. |
| Bonaparte Sno-Park | Open | |
| Boundary #533 | Open | The #3900-500 road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only and is not recommended for passenger cars. |
| Boundary Lake | Open |
|
| Browns Lake | Open | 2023 camping access will be unavailable due to the reconstruction of Browns Lake Campground and boat launch area. The gate is close to vehicle access but walk in access for fishing and foraging will be permitted at this time. |
| Browns Lake #320 | Open | |
| Browns Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Bunchgrass Lake | Open | |
| Cabin #303 | Open | |
| Canyon Creek #93 | Open | |
| Canyon Creek Campground | Closed | |
| Carl's Lake | Open | There is no real boat launch. It's a muddy opening near the parking to put non-motorized boats in. |
| Cathedral Driveway #510A | Open | It is not recommended to use until the end of June. The #3900-500 road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only and is not recommended for passenger cars. |
| Chewuch Trailhead | Open | |
| Clackamas Mountain #312 | Open | |
| Clark Ridge #363 | Open | |
| Columbia Mountain Loop #24 | Open | |
| Conger Lake | Open | |
| Conger Pond | Open | |
| Cooks Lake | Open | Site is open, maintenance only occures during operating season. |
| Crater Lake | Open | |
| Crawfish Lake | Open | Stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. |
| Crawfish Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Crawfish Sno-Park | Open | |
| Crescent Lake | Open | |
| Crescent Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Crowell Ridge #515 | Open | |
| Davis Lake | Open | |
| Davis Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Deception Lake | Open | Be aware of bear and mountain lion in the area. |
| Deer Creek Forest Camp | Closed | |
| Deer Creek North #40 | Open | |
| Deer Creek Summit North Trailhead / Sno-Park | Open | Washington State Sno-Park permit required from December 1st to March 31st. |
| Deer Creek Summit South Loop #43 | Open | |
| Deer Creek Summit South Trailhead / Sno-Park | Open | |
| Deer Park #341 | Open | This is a connector trail for Albert Camp #375 and the Clutch Creek Trail #343. |
| East Sullivan Campground | Closed | |
| Edds Mountain #3 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Edds Mountain Trailhead | Closed | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Edgewater Campground | Closed | |
| Elbow Lake | Open | |
| Elbow Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Elk Creek #560 | Open | |
| Emerald Lake | Open | |
| Empire Lake Sno-Park | Open | Washington State Sno-Park permit required from December 1st to March 31st. |
| Empire Lakes (North, Middle, South) | Open | |
| Ferry Lake | Open | |
| Ferry Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Fir Mountain #320 | Open | |
| Fish Lake | Open | Stocked with 450 Rainbow Trout on April 9, 2024. |
| Fish Lake Trail #2 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30 |
| Flodelle/Tacoma Creek Sno-Park | Open | |
| Floodplain #523 | Open | |
| Flowery Trailhead Sno-Park | Open | |
| Flume Creek #502 | Open | |
| Fourteen Mile Campground/Trailhead | Closed | |
| Frater Lake | Open | |
| Frater Lake #150/Lake Leo #155 | Open | Area Forecast Frater Lake Trail #150/Lake Leo Trail #155 |
| Frater Lake Trailhead / Sno-Park | Open | Winter Sno-Park fees required Dec 1-March 31. No summer use fees. |
| Freezeout Ridge #345 | Open | |
| Geophysical Sno-Park | Open | |
| Geophysical Trailhead | Open | |
| Gillette Campground | Closed | Water is not available after September 30. |
| Gillette Lake | Open | |
| Gillette Ridge Motorcycle #131 | Open | |
| Golden Stairway #354 | Open | Black bears are very active in this area. Please ensure all items with a smell are properly stored. |
| Granite Mountain #355 | Open | Caution: only experienced motorcycle riders should attempt this trail as the top becomes steep, with numerous switchbacks and eroded trail conditions due to past fire activity. Once on top of the trail, there are great views of the North Cascades and the C o n c o n u l l y area. And, most likely, a great sense of solitude. |
| Granite View Trailhead | Open | This site is still under development and will have portable toilet added later. |
| Grassy Top #503 | Open | Be aware of bear and mountain lion in the area. |
| Growden Heritage Site | Closed | |
| Gypsy Lake | Open | |
| Half Moon Lake | Open | |
| Hall Creek Sno-Park | Open | Washington State Sno-Park permit required from December 1st to March 31st. |
| Hall Mountain #540 | Open | |
| Hall Mountain-Grassy Top #533 | Open | |
| Halliday #522 | Open | |
| Heritage Lake | Open | |
| Highlands / Sno-Park | Open | |
| Honeymoon Pass #372 | Open | |
| Hoodoo Canyon #17 | Open | |
| Iron Gate Trailhead | Open | The #3900-500 road is maintained for high-clearance vehicles only and is not recommended for passenger cars. Currently, it's recommended that only 4x4s without trailers use this road due to recent washouts. |
| Jungle Hill #16 | Open | |
| Jungle Hill Horse Campground | Closed | |
| Kerr Campground | Closed | |
| Kerr Sno-Park | Open | . |
| Kettle Crest North National Recreation #13 | Open | Logged out from trailhead to Columbia Mountain intersection on May 21st. Boulder Pass to just shy of Taylor Ridge Intersection and Leona to Midnight Ridge. 06/03/2024. |
| Kettle Crest South National Recreation #13 | Open | |
| Kettle Crest Trailhead (Sherman Pass) | Open | |
| Kings Lake Sno-Park | Open | |
| Lake Ellen | Open | |
| Lake Ellen East Campground | Closed | |
| Lake Ellen West Campground | Closed | |
| Lake Gillette Campground | Closed | Water is not available after September 30. |
| Lake Leo | Open | Boat launch access opened for fishing opening day when weather allows. |
| Lake Leo Campground | Closed | Water has been shut off for the 2024 season. |
| Lake Thomas | Open | |
| Lake Thomas Campground | Closed | |
| Lakeshore #120 | Open | |
| Lakeshore #504 | Open | |
| Lamar Lake | Open | |
| Lambert #47 | Open | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| Lambert Creek Horse Camp | Closed | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to campground not recommended during the winter months. |
| Lambert Trailhead | Closed | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| Leona #49 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Leona Loop #49.1 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Leona Trailhead | Closed | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Little Beaver Lake | Open | Extensive cattails make shore fishing difficult. |
| Little Pend Oreille Motorcycle Route System | Open | Area Forecast Little Pend Oreille Off Road Vehicle Trail System |
| Little Tiffany Lake | Open | |
| Little Twin Lakes | Open | |
| Little Twin Lakes Campground | Closed | |
| Log Flume Interpretive #77 | Open | |
| Long Alec #43.1 | Open | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| Long Alec Trailhead | Closed | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| Long Lake | Open | Access road to lake closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Long Lake #5 | Open | Access road to lake closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Long Lake Campground | Closed | Fee required. Hand pump water, scheduled restroom cleaning and site cleanup will occur until the campground closes on October 30. Boat ramp will remain open with no services. |
| Lost Lake | Closed | |
| Lost Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Lower Wolf #304 | Open | |
| Lower Wolf #305 | Open | |
| Lower Wolf Trailhead | Open | |
| Lyman Lake | Open | |
| Lyman Lake Dispersed Camping | Open | |
| Mack King Jeep #98 | Open | Jeep route has recently been logged out and it ready for your next adventure! (6/03/2024) |
| Marcus #8 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Marcus Trailhead | Closed | |
| Marshall Lake | Open | |
| Meadow Creek #125 | Open | |
| Middle Fork #387 | Open | |
| Midnight Ridge #41 | Open | Logged out as of 06/03/2024. |
| Mill Creek Sno-Park | Closed | |
| Mill Pond Campground | Closed | |
| Mill Pond Flume #520 | Open | |
| Mill Pond Historic Site | Open | Gate currently closed for hazard tree removal. |
| Muckamuck #346 | Open | |
| Mutton Ridge #365 | Open | |
| Mystic Lake | Open | |
| Nature #509 | Open | |
| Newport-Sullivan Lake RD | None | |
| Nile Lake | Open | |
| Nine Mile Falls #44 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Ninebark Sno-Park | Open | |
| No Name Lake | Open | Lake access is available for day-use only. Walk-in access only. No overnight camping due to forest health issues. Road is gated and closed. |
| Noisy Creek #588 | Open | |
| Noisy Creek Campground | Closed | |
| North Fork #507 | Open | |
| North Fork Chewelah Creek Sno-Park | Closed | |
| North Fork Harvey Creek Trailhead | Open | |
| North Fork Salmon Creek Trailhead | Open | |
| North Fork Silver Creek #119 | Open | |
| North Fork of Chewelah Creek | Open | |
| North Summit #369 | Open | |
| Old Stage #1 | Open | Logged out as of 06/03/2024. |
| Old Stage #75 | Open | |
| Old Stage Horse Camp | Open | |
| Old Stage Trailhead | Closed | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| Oriole Campground | Closed | |
| Owl Mountain Jeep #102 | Open | |
| Panhandle Campground | Closed | Boat launch currently open and will require a Day Use fee starting May 17, 2024. |
| Parker Lake | Open | |
| Pass Creek Pass Trailhead | Open |
|
| Peewee Falls Scenic Overlook | Open | |
| Phillips Lake | Open | |
| Pierre Lake | Open | |
| Pierre Lake #91 | Open | |
| Pierre Lake Campground | Closed | Water system closed until further notice. |
| Pioneer Park Campground | Open | Pioneer Boat Launch is open, though erosion damage may make launching difficult. Use at you own risk. (6/21/2023) |
| Pioneer Park Heritage #321 | Closed | |
| Pipsissewa #383 | Open | |
| Profanity Peak #32 | Open | Access road closed to vehicles on November 30. Under reconstruction after the 2015 Stick Pin fire. Parking area is currently being moved due to washout. Logged out as of 06/03/2024 |
| Red Bluff #553 | Open | |
| Renner Lake | None | No motorized boats. |
| Riverside Canyon Overlook | Open | |
| Roger Lake | Open | |
| Rufus Route ORV #148 | Open | User Defined Area Forecast Rufus Trail #148 |
| Salmo Basin #506 | Open | |
| Salmo Cabin #531 | Open | |
| Salmo Divide #535 | Open | |
| Salmo-Priest Wilderness | Open | |
| Salmon Meadows Campground | Closed | |
| Schalow #361 | Open | |
| Shedroof Cutoff #511 | Open | |
| Shedroof Divide #512 | Open | User Defined Area Forecast Shedroof Divide Trail #512 |
| Sherlock Peak #139 | Open | |
| Sherman #12 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Sherman Creek | Open | |
| Sherman Loop #72 | Open | |
| Sherman Overlook #96.A | Open | |
| Sherman Overlook Campground | Closed | Opening on June 7th, 2024. |
| Sherman Pass / Sno-Park | Open | Washington State Sno-Park permit required from December 1st to March 31st. |
| Sherman Pass Tie #96 | Open | |
| Shrew Creek #321 | Open | |
| Silver Creek Campground | Closed | |
| Slate Creek #525 | Not Cleared | Not Maintained |
| Smarty Creek #371 | Open | |
| Smith Lake | Open | The #3900-500 road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only and is not recommended for passenger cars. |
| Smith Lake #533.2 | Open | The #3900-500 road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only and is not recommended for passenger cars. |
| Snow Dog Trailhead | Open | |
| Snow Peak #10 | Open | |
| Snow Peak Cabin | Open | |
| Snow Peak Trailhead | Closed | Access road not plowed. Vehicle acces to trailhead not recommended during the winter months. |
| South Fork Silver Creek #123 | Open | |
| South Huckleberry Jeep Route #12110 & #12060 | Open | |
| South Mill Pond #550 | Open | |
| South Skookum #138 | Open | |
| South Skookum Lake | Open | |
| South Skookum Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Southside #308 | Open | |
| Sportsman's Pond | Open | |
| Springboard #149 | Open | |
| Stick Pin #71 | Closed | |
| Strawberry Mountain #309 | Open | |
| Sugarloaf Campground | Closed | |
| Sugarloaf Lake | Open | |
| Sullivan Creek | Open | |
| Sullivan Creek #565 | Open | |
| Sullivan Creek Dispersed Sites | Open | Lower sites are accessible, but only maintained during operating season. |
| Sullivan Lake | Open | |
| Sullivan Mountain Trailhead | Open | |
| Summit Lake (Ferry County) | Open | |
| Summit Lake (Okanogan County) | Open | |
| Summit Lake Campground | Closed | This campground is more suited for tent camping vs. trailer camping. |
| Swan Lake | Open | Access road to lake closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Swan Lake #14 | Open | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Swan Lake Campground | Closed | Campground will close on Monday, 10/30/2023. Water system is off for the season. Boat ramp will remain open with no services. |
| Swan Lake Kitchen Group Campsite | Closed | Potable water sources turned off Sept 30. |
| Sweat Creek Picnic Area | Open | Rest stop along HWY 20. |
| Taylor Ridge #74 | Open | |
| Ten Mile #25 | Open | Logged out on May 21st. |
| Ten Mile Campground | Closed | |
| Ten Mile Trailhead | Closed | Access via 10 Mile CG. Gate to campground is closed for the season on September 30th. Use pullout along the highway for trail access. |
| Thirteen Mile #23 | Open | |
| Thirteen Mile Trailhead | Closed | Logged out on May 21st. |
| Thomas Mountain #151 | Open | |
| Thompson Ridge Jeep Route #107 | Open | |
| Three Rivers RD | Open | |
| Thunder Creek Trailhead #526 | Open | A culvert is plugged, but passable. Use care crossing. |
| Tiffany Lake | Open | The 37 Road will be closed June 10-14 for repairs. |
| Tiffany Lake #373 | Open | |
| Tiffany Springs Campground | Closed | The 37 Road will be closed June 10-14 for repairs. |
| Timber Ridge Trailhead | Closed | Access road to trailhead closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Tonasket Ranger District | None | |
| Trout Lake | Open | Access to Yellow flag-iris and reed canary grass are along the shoreline, along with duckweed in the water. Seeds from these plants may attach to boats and boat trailers. All of these plants can choke out native species and make swimming and boating difficult. |
| Trout Lake Campground | Closed | |
| Twin Sisters Jeep Route #109 | Open | |
| US Mountain Jeep Route #12600 | Open | |
| Upper Wolf System | Open | |
| Upper Wolf Trailhead | Open | |
| Virginia Lilly Trailhead #322 | Open | The trail is not well defined in places, but there are orange blazes on trees/cairns/signs which try and help. |
| Wapaloosie Horse Campground | Closed | |
| Wapaloosie Mountain #15 | Open | Down trees on the trail make travel by horse difficult at this time. (6/8/2023) |
| Ward Lake | Open | Access road to lake closed to vehicles on November 30. |
| Watch Lake | Open | There are no fish in this lake. |
| West Sullivan Campground | Closed | |
| Wilcox Trailhead | Open | |
| Windy Peak #342 | Open | There is still a lot of snow and it has not been logged out. |
| Windy Peak Trailhead/Long Swamp | Open | There is still a lot of snow and it has not been logged out. |
| Yocum Lake | Open | Yocum Lake has noxious weeds that easily spread if carried on boats or boat trailers to other lakes. Eurasian milfoil is found around the boat ramp, so extra care needs to be taken to remove vegetation off boats. These plants can choke out native species and make swimming and boating difficult. |
Spotlights
Peewee Falls Scenic Overlook
Located on the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District, this new overlook provides spectacular views of Peewee Falls and Boundary Lake. A 9-mile trail from this location to Riverside Mine Scenic Overlook will be complete in 2024.
Riverside Canyon Overlook
Located on the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District, this overlook features stunning views of Riverside Canyon. Park and hike roughly .25 miles on the ADA compliant pathway to the viewing platform. A 9-mile trail connecting to Peewee Falls Scenic Overlook parking lot will be complete in 2024.
