I have never hiked 13-mile from the Bear Pot Trailhead off of Highway 20, so I thought I'd try it today before meeting some friends for car-camping and day hikes on the Kettle Crest over the weekend. I reached the trailhead with no problems, but soon had to abandon the hike due to severe downfall. There were a few trees down at the beginning, and at approximately .75 miles the downfall became impassable. The massive Ferry County windstorm of two weeks ago (100 mph winds reported) hit this trail hard! However, I was consoled by the fabulous wild strawberry crop back at the trailhead after I admitted defeat.

Actual date hiked was a few days ago.... In the mist, rain and clouds the few tantalizing glimpses of distant, pine covered hillsides rolling on added to the sense of mystery. The trail has a rugged start as it wanders the narrow canyon, with towering granite walls appearing in and out of the mist. The creek was roaring after all the rain. Higher up the trail climbs out of the canyon, on to pine and wildflower slopes. From what I could see, wide open roaming country. There is a nice campground at the trail head, near the San Poil River on highway 21 out of Republic.

This is a great hike. I'm just adding a few photos. Read the previous trip reports for more details.

What a fun ramble! We spent the day hiking from the Thirteenmile trailhead, continuing about a mile or so past the 2054 road crossing before turning around. So many different wildflowers blooming: balsamroot, lots of larkspur (I think), and more. My favorite of the day was something I couldn't identify: very low growing in rocky areas with onion-like pale green leaves and cute round lavender flowers, like chive flowers or pink clover. Lots of nice places to linger for the views or head just above the trail for even bigger views. Fun to see the old "Center Stock Driveway" signs. The trail was in good condition - it looked recently logged out. There is a wetter area maybe 2-3 miles in that had some drainage issues but the mud had dried out when we went through. Like another recent trip reporter, we encountered a fair number of mosquitoes for the first mile or so near the creek but as things opened up more the breeze kept them at bay. We passed maybe three other parties the entire day. Only wildlife sightings were a deer and some raptors. This was my first hike in the Kettle Range - it was most definitely worth the trip and I can't wait to come back.

Started from the trailhead south of Republic. Trails were cleared and snow free. Wildflowers blooming. Several streams and small ponds along the way for water sources. Mosquitoes were out in force, as were the ticks. Lots and lots of ticks. Had one bear sighting just off the trail a couple of miles past the #600 road crossing. Spotted a Mama bear and two cubs high on a hill about 5 miles from the trailhead. Very few people seen even on a holiday weekend.