About This Trail

Columbia Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the Colville National Forest and for good reason. The trail climbs through mixed pine forest, aspen groves, and open sagebrush to a 6,765-foot summit crowned by one of the oldest fire lookouts in Washington state. The lookout has been restored and is open for public camping, though no fires or cook stoves are allowed inside the structure.

The route gains about 1,450 feet over 3 miles. A loop variant circles the summit on the way down, adding variety without much extra distance. Springs at roughly the 2-mile mark provide water (filter required, as cattle use the area). The Forest Service logs out the trail each June, typically around mid-month, so early-season visitors should expect blowdowns before that date.

This trail appears in Craig Romano's "100 Classic Hikes in Washington" and has earned a perfect 5-star rating on WTA. October brings peak color from western larch and aspen. From the summit, views stretch across the Kettle Range in every direction. The trailhead shares a parking area with the Kettle Crest Trail at Sherman Pass, making it easy to combine with other routes in the area.

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)

Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

Scorecard

strikingBeautySummit panorama across the Kettle Range with golden larch and a historic lookout

Type 1Fun

2/5Difficulty

3/5Wildness

3/5Exposure

5/5Reward

3/5Effort

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended

Persistent Hazards

lightning exposure on summit
blowdowns before mid-June log-out
cattle in the area near water sources

Getting There

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Parking

Northwest Forest Pass required. Parking lot at Sherman Pass trailhead on Highway 20. Note that the lot sometimes closes temporarily in fall for a couple weeks.

Approach

From the Sherman Pass trailhead, the trail is well-signed and climbs steadily. A loop option circles the summit. The route is straightforward with no navigation concerns once the trail is logged out for the season.

Timing

Morning starts give the best light from the lookout and avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Plan for the Forest Service to log out the trail by mid-June each year; before that date, expect downed trees across the path.

Similar Hikes

Dishman Hills Conservation Area - Flying L TrailEastern Washington · 2.2 miPonderosa pine savanna and early-season wildflowers on the eastern edge of Spokane Valley.

Big Tree Botanical AreaEastern Washington · 2.3 miA short interpretive walk past 900-year-old western larch trees in the Colville National Forest.

South Hill BluffEastern Washington · 23 miA sprawling network of bluff trails above Hangman Creek with spring wildflower displays and city-edge solitude.

Riverside State Park - Trail 25Eastern Washington · 25 miTwenty-five miles of singletrack winding through Spokane's biggest park along the Spokane River.

Noisy CreekEastern Washington · 5.3 miA rugged Selkirk creek trail that rewards persistence with old-growth forest and mountain views above Sullivan Lake.

Mount Spokane State Park - Trail 110Eastern Washington · 7.5 miThe backbone trail of Mount Spokane State Park, climbing through old growth to a high junction where three peaks fan out.

Sources & Data

WTA →