Kettle Crest North — Tuesday, Jul. 22, 2008

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range

Went up the Wapaloosie Trail and then north on the Kettle Crest Trail toward Copper Butte until the forecast ""chance of scattered showers"" turned into lightning, hail and steady rain. Road from Highway 20 to the large trailhead parking area is in good condition and the trails are clear of obstructions with mostly easy, horse-friendly grades. Flowers are in abundance on the sidehill and ridgetop meadows. Saw no cows but there was considerable evidence of their presence. A few mosquitoes at the trailhead but otherwise minimal bugs. They might have been grounded by the hail.