Snow Peak
Eastern WashingtonBest Jun–Mar
Five easy miles along the Kettle Crest to a rentable summit cabin with wood stove and mountain views.
About This Trail
Snow Peak is best known for the rustic cabin near its summit, a year-round Forest Service rental perched at 6,400 feet on the Kettle Crest. The five-mile approach from Sherman Pass follows the Kettle Crest South Trail through subalpine meadows and open forest, gaining only 875 feet thanks to the high starting elevation at the pass. It is one of the gentler routes in the Kettle Range, which makes it popular with families, skiers, and snowshoers who book the cabin for overnight stays.
The cabin sleeps four and comes equipped with a wood stove, propane cooking, cots, and solar lighting. Reservations run $55 per night through recreation.gov with at least two days' advance notice. Water is available from a spring at the trail junction about a mile before the cabin, and that is the only reliable source nearby.
Summer brings wildflowers to the meadows along the crest, and the fall color display runs deep into October at this elevation. Winter is arguably the best season, with the cabin offering a warm base for exploring the snow-covered ridge on skis or snowshoes. A Sno-Parks Permit is required for winter access. The forest service road to Sherman Pass stays plowed, giving this high-country destination unusually reliable year-round access for Eastern Washington. Note that a washout on the forest road near the trailhead has been reported; higher-clearance vehicles have an easier time.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- forest road washout reported near trailhead
- only one water source near the cabin (spring at junction, ~1 mile north)
- winter travel requires proper gear and navigation skills
Getting There
Sherman Pass trailhead on Highway 20. Sno-Parks Permit required in winter; no permit needed in summer. From Spokane, take Highway 395 north through Colville and Kettle Falls, cross the Columbia River, turn left on Highway 20 and continue 22.6 miles to Sherman Pass.
Cross Highway 20 at Sherman Pass and follow switchbacks up the Kettle Crest South Trail. The route joins the Sherman Peak Loop Trail before continuing north along the Kettle Crest to Snow Peak cabin. The trail is well-marked and the grade stays moderate throughout. In winter, navigation skills matter as trail markers can be buried.
For day hikes, no special timing needed. For cabin stays, plan arrival to allow setup before dark, especially in winter. Cabin reservations through recreation.gov require minimum two-day advance booking.
Similar Hikes
