Our destination was the historic fire lookout on top of Columbia Mountain. We started on the Kettle Crest North Trail, occasionally needing to go over, under or around large trees that had fallen across the trail. At 2.2 miles, we left the main trail to join the Columbia Mountain Loop Trail and then took the short-but-steep 0.3-mile spur trail to the summit. An old log cabin, built in 1914 and restored in 2010, used to have a tower attached to it and is all that remains of the former lookout. After exploring the site and leaving rusty nails and tin can "artifacts" undisturbed, we went back down the spur trail to continue clockwise on the loop trail, but soon encountered snowbanks on the north side of the mountain. We reversed direction and hiked about a mile along the southern and eastern part of the loop, then turned back and headed down to rejoin the Kettle Crest Trail. We met a couple of mountain bikers on their way up who were hoisting their bikes over a fallen tree; we let them know there were half a dozen more fallen trees still ahead. They continued on, but soon gave up and headed down the trail. Our hike was about 7 miles total. 

Went on day hike from trailhead to jungle hill area . Spring is just starting up here with all the weather this year. Lots of lodgepole pines blown down across trail. Trail not cleared yet at all, sort of a hassle but hikeable. A couple of snow patches on the north sides, but easily traversed. Some small flowers blooming. Lots of happy birds singing.

We departed from the North at Deer Creek TH and headed South to the Sherman Pass TH with a 2 night/3 day plan. Old burns have a very unique beauty with bright purple fire-weed contrasting with the deep black trees. The Northern end of the trail is fairly exposed to the elements and shade is hard to find. The brush starts out minimal but at some points along this trail it is not only higher than 6 feet tall but is also taking over the trail.

We found water just after the 4 mile mark where there is a small/new bridge over a creek. If it still has water I would fill up as much as possible. We ran low on water quickly due to the heat and found a "water source" while passing through a greener area just shy of the 6.7 mile mark. This was a tiny source, however, we were able to filter 9.5 liters over the period of an hour. It was a trickle but we were grateful to have it and filled our packs to carry the extra water with us.

Finding a "good" spot to lay tents is another issue on this end of the trail. Its rocky, slanted, has 6' brush, or trees down. We finally settled for an area at about the 10 mile mark. It was slanted and we had to clear rocks and trees but at that point it was "good enough". The smoky sunsets from here were a lovely way to end a days hike.The next closest flat area to pitch a tent would be at the intersection with Ryan cabin Trail #30. Once you cross over the Ryan cabin trail the scenery starts to change as you leave the burn area and enter live trees and meadows.This is the cattle zone. The 15 mile mark has a most wonderful cattle trough with a piped in spring. Ah, the joy of water. Fill up here and take extra water because again, water is scarce from here until well past the Butte.

Copper Butte was a slow-go as we carried all the extra water with a trail full of switchbacks from here to the top. The Northern/East sides of the Butte are open for views but also exposed to the elements with the South/West end having tree cover for shade and a wind break. Both areas have plenty of decent camping areas but again, no water source. We descended from the summit heading South and found a nice camping area at the intersection with the Marcus Trail.  It was big enough and flat enough to hold 3 tents and possibly a 1-2 more if needed.

From here the trail ascents a bit more (ugh) but provided a stunning sunrise.After flattening out a short while later, the remainder of the trail descends to the Sherman Pass TH making it a quick last day. Of note, we found 1 more pipped spring for the cattle on this section of the trail which would be your safest and easiest source of water from the last source at the 15 mile mark. 

This trail is beautiful and here are the basics...

• Be prepared to pack water from just a few sources
• Camping spots are difficult North of Copper Butte
• No permits needed
• Cars are safe at both trail heads
• Cattle like trails too & do not appear very bright
• Lots of moose and coyote scat but no animals over 3 days
• Only saw 1 other hiker in 3 days
• Very dry and dusty, even on the South end

I hiked the Kettle Crest Trail #13 end to end to end, starting at the north trailhead, traversing to the south end (White Mountain) and returning. 

I spent the night before at Deer Creek Forest Camp, located just across the road from the Kettle Crest North TH. It's on a paved road and an easy, quick drive from Curlew. The 2015 Stickpin fire ravaged the area, but the camp has been recently refurbished with gravel, picnic tables, and a satisfactory pit toilet. There were no bugs and a pleasant, smoky glow on the horizon as I turned in. 

We did a single overnight, starting from Hwy 20 and staying at the Jungle Hill junction.  The trail had no downed trees, but it was muddy in some areas with small patches of melting snow.  It also snowed during our hike and overnight. We passed one gentleman just finishing the Jungle Hill/Kettle Crest loop, and he said the JH trail had quite a few downed trees and debris.

The views on this hike are amazing.  Bang for your buck, this might have been one of the best hikes I've ever done.