Kettle Crest North Trail #13

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Kettle Crest is far less traveled than the ranges to the west which gives an amazing opportunity for solitude at most any time of year. The trail travels over and around many mountains with amazing views. It can be accessed from the north, south, or any of the 20 different trails that connect to Trail #13 from the east and west.

Likely to be dead fall trees across the trail between Copper Butte and Leona Trail. During the early part of the season, there are ample springs and creeks available over the entire trail. As the seasons get warmer and later in the year, the water sources begin to diminish.

The trail is listed as 30.25 miles from Sherman Pass Trailhead at the south end to Boulder Pass Trailhead at the north end. Over the miles, the trail goes through forest, meadows, burn scars, dead fall, over and around mountains, and across many small streams.

At all times, the trail is visible and easy to travel. There are sections with dead fall trees across the trail, but they are not difficult to navigate. There has been steady work on trail rehabilitation and there are notices to watch for the maintenance crews and their machinery. With so many small streams, there is always an opportunity to filter water, an emergency straw filter is very handy for many of the streams.

There are a few steep climbs, but most of the trail consists of longer steady climbs that give a large amount of running terrain. There are the standard trail hazards of rocks, trees, branches, loose soil, and the like, but none present any danger with proper attention. The steepest section of the trail is on the north side of Copper Butte.

The signage is adequate to keep from getting lost with many of the signs seeming on the newer side.

Possibility to encounter: deer, rabbits, coyote, moose, cougar, bear, squirrels, and a plethora of birds. During late July and early to mid-August, the trail is surrounded by various berry bushes. Raspberries, thimbleberry, elderberry, huckleberry, and juneberry are all along and around the trail.