Abercrombie Mountain Trail
Eastern WashingtonBest Jun–Sep
Northeast Washington's highest summit, with views stretching from the Cascades to the Rockies.
About This Trail
Abercrombie Mountain stands as the highest peak in northeast Washington, and the trail to its summit delivers on that billing. The route begins on an old roadbed through scrubby alder before entering dense lodgepole forest at the North Fork Silver Creek junction around mile 1.4. From there, it climbs steadily through open stands of whitebark pine and Douglas-fir, passing through flower-filled meadows that peak in July and early August.
The final push crosses a junction with the Flume Creek Trail at mile 3, then tackles a short, steep quarter-mile to the rocky summit. Up top, the views stretch in every direction: the Cascades to the west, British Columbia's Rossland Range to the north, Idaho's Selkirk peaks to the east, and the Columbia Plateau sprawling to the south. On clear days, you can pick out the Kettle Range and the Rocky Mountain front.
A fire lookout built here in 1952 lasted barely a decade before the Forest Service tore it down. Hikers have since stacked a rock windbreak at the summit, and it makes a fine spot to sit and take in the panorama. The access road requires some patience. FR 7078 and Road 300 are rough and narrow, and early-season debris can complicate things. High clearance is strongly recommended.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The road to the Flume Creek trailhead for Abercrombie is in excellent condition.”
Last report: Aug 28, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Rough access road with seasonal debris and logging truck traffic
- No water sources on trail
- Exposed rocky summit in lightning-prone terrain
Getting There
Small pullout at the end of Road 300. The last 3.3 miles are slow and rough. High clearance recommended. Watch for logging trucks on FR 7078.
Follow the old roadbed through alder to the North Fork Silver Creek junction at 1.4 miles. Turn left and climb through lodgepole forest to open meadows. At the Flume Creek junction (mile 3), bear left for the final steep quarter-mile to the summit.
Start early to catch clear summit views before afternoon clouds build. Morning light is best for the eastern panorama toward Idaho.
Recent Reports
The road to the Flume Creek trailhead for Abercrombie is in excellent condition. The only nerve-racking part is that the road was clearly fixed for logging and there is the uncertainty about running into a logging truck.
Outstanding overall hike, to the summit with amazing views 360° from the top. Handful of small pines, less than 5" diameter, down across lower section of trail 117, but not a major hindrance.
Road: we were able to drive to about 4750 feet. Around halfway up the road is covered in debris, a deep pile that required clearance but was fine to drive through.
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