Located in the northeast corner of Washington, Colville National Forest spans 1.5 million acres, offering a rich blend of mountains, valleys, rivers, and wildlife. This expansive forest is home to the Kettle River and Selkirk mountain ranges, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Camping in Colville National Forest
There are several campgrounds near Colville National Forest, both within the park and in nearby areas.
Campgrounds in Colville National Forest
$27 per night
Free
$29 per night
$29 per day
Private Campgrounds Near Colville National Forest
Check the top campgrounds in Washingtonbefore planning your trip to the forest. You can look for campgrounds in nearby cities as well.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
$15 per night
$10 per night
No fee
$29 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
No fee
$6 per night
Forthose in need of dump stations when camping in Colville National Forest, the closest options are located in Spokane, offering convenient services for RV travelers.
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Edgewater Campground
Camp on the banks of the Pend Oreille River at the Edgewater Campground. Each site is tucked into the tall evergreens, so you always have shade and privacy. Explore the forest to find delicious thimbleberries, or walk down to the river to fish for trout and bass. Sites are basic, but you'll find drinking water, vault toilets, and trash collection. Plus, there's a boat ramp in the campground for easy river access. Rates are $24 per night, and RVs of all sizes are welcome. The campground is open from mid-May to early September.
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Gillette Campground
Tucked deep in the forest, the Gillette Campground offers beautiful views of the trees and the water. There are just 29 sites, ensuring a relaxing experience for tent and RV campers. You won't find hookups, but the campground offers drinking water, vault toilets, and paved roads. With a quick walk from your RV, you can hike on the nearby trails, boat in Gillette Lake, swim from the beach, or bike along the forest roads. Every site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit. Each site is $24 per night during the campground's open season from mid-may to early September.
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Cedar RV Park
Located in the heart of Colville National Forest, Cedar RV Park offers easy access to everything that the region has to offer. Here, you'll find a wealth of amenities, including full hookups, a laundry room, hot showers, cable TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi. An RV wash and dump station make it easy to care for your rig, and the store offers all of the parts and supplies you need for a comfortable trip. Many sites are nestled under a grove of cedar trees, and you'll find a large green space for kids to run free. The campground is open year-round; rates start at $30 per night for two people.
Colville National Forest Hiking Trails
The forest features 486 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Distance: 1 mile one way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.75 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.6 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Distance: 7.8 miles one way
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 5.3 miles one way
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Lakeside Trails
Distance: 1.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
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Flume Creek Trail
If you're looking to get away from it all, the Flume Creek Trail makes a great day hike. Located in the Abercrombie-Hooknose Roadless Area, this trail takes you up into the hills, offering spectacular views of the Selkirk Mountains as you climb. Want to summit a mountain? Get off on the Abercrombie Mountain Trail for a fun side trip. Make sure to pack layers and a rain jacket as the weather can change quickly in this part of the forest.
Length: 8 miles round-trip
Intensity: Moderate to Strenuous
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Pioneer Park Heritage Trail
For an easy, fast hike, visit the Pioneer Park Heritage Trail. This kid-friendly route is flat and easy, so it's a great option for families. Along the way, check out 12 interpretive signs that tell the story of the Kalispel Tribe. Leave plenty of time to take in the views over the Pend Oreille River.
Length: 0.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Shedroof Divide Trail
Looking for views? It's hard to beat the panoramic vistas from the Shedroof Divide Trail. Running deep into the Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area, this route offers some of the best scenery in the park. It's popular with backpackers, but you can create an out-and-back day-hike route to suit your preferences. This trail is only open in the summer when the snow melts at elevation.
Length: 21.8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Red Bluff Trail
Bring plenty of snacks for a hike on the Red Bluff Trail — you'll need the energy to tackle the steep inclines and challenging terrain. The well-maintained path takes you up through dense, beautiful forests; near the middle of summer, keep an eye out for the delicious wild berries that grow near the path. Known for its exceptional wildlife-watching opportunities, this trail is a great place to see bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and the elusive caribou. Bears and mountain lions live in the area, so make sure to take precautions as you hike.
Length: 10.4 miles round-trip
Intensity: Difficult
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Grassy Top Trail
Get the high-elevation views without the intense climbing on the Grassy Top Trail. It features a steady but manageable uphill grade, but since it's an out-and-back route, the return trip is a breeze. This trail passes through wide-open meadows, making it a fantastic spot to see wildflowers throughout the spring and summer. Look out for the tasty huckleberries on your way up.
Length: 7.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Hoodoo Canyon Trail
At just 5 miles total, the Hoodoo Canyon Trail is one of the best half-day hikes in the Colville National Forest. Along the route, you'll see beautiful views over the Hoodoo Canyon and the Kettle Range. If you're looking for an extra challenge, take the steep side path down to Emerald Lake.
Length: 5 miles round-trip
Intensity: Moderate
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Lake Shore Trail at Sullivan Lake
Looking for a kid-friendly hike? The Lake Shore Trail takes you around the eastern side of Sullivan Lake, offering gently rolling terrain and stunning views of the water. At the end of your hike, cool off with a swim in the lake.
Length: 4.25 miles
Intensity: Easy
Activities in Colville National Forest
There are many things to do in Colville National Forest, as it offers a variety of outdoor activities, from water sports to wildlife viewing. This makes it an ideal destination for adventurers all year round.
Fishing
Enjoy a day on the water in the forest's rivers and lakes, where you can enjoy ice fishing, river fishing, and lake fishing. Here, you can boat and fish for native species like trout, rainbow, westslope cutthroat, and bass. The rivers provide excellent conditions for anglers of all skill levels.
Wildlife Watching
Spot a variety of wildlife in the forest, including grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, and bald eagles. The forest is also home to the last remaining herd of caribou in the U.S.
Skiing and Snowshoeing In winter, Colville National Forest offers great opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing on its snowy trails. Explore the peaceful, snow-covered terrain, ideal for both beginner and experienced snow sports enthusiasts.
Horseback Riding
Explore the forest's diverse landscapes on horseback. Ride along scenic trails through forests, meadows, and riverbanks, or take a guided tour to learn more about the area’s natural beauty.
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Fishing
If you're in the mood for a relaxing day, try fishing one of the many lakes and ponds in the forest. Bead Lake, Browns Lake, Mystic Lake, Empire Lakes, and Sullivan Lake are just a few great spots. Many rivers and streams, including the San Poil River, Sullivan Creek, Sherman Creek, and Chewelah Creek, are also open to fishing.
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Nature Watching
If you're interested in viewing flora, the trails near Mill Pond, Noisy Creek, and Hall Mountain offer a variety of trees, plants, and flowers. Geocaching is allowed in many parts of the forest with the exception of designated Wilderness Areas, national scenic areas, and historic trails.
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Winter Sports
In the winter, Bead Lake and Sullivan Lake are popular spots for ice fishing. Metal detecting and rock-hounding are two popular, laid-back activities. When the weather is cold or rainy, enjoy the wilderness on the scenic drives near Mill Pond, Noisy Creek, and Sullivan Lake.
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Stargazing
After dark, take time to look up from your seat around the campfire; the lack of light pollution in the forest makes for exceptional stargazing.
How to get to Colville National Forest
Address: 765 South Main Street, Colville, WA 99114
Fee: Entry fee $0
Colville National Forest is easily accessible by car, with entry points located near the towns of Kettle Falls, Republic, and Tonasket.
By Car
From Kettle Falls, it’s a short0.7-mile drive to the Three Rivers Ranger Station.
From Republic, take State Route 20 E for a scenic drive into the park, approximately 62 miles to the forest.
From Tonasket, drive along State Route 20 E for 102 miles to reach the forest.
By Air
The nearest airportsare:
Spokane International Airport (GEG): Located 67 miles from the forest, it offers multiple daily flights with connections to major cities across the U.S.
Ferry County Airport (4W6): This airport is located 64 miles from the forest, and provides limited services for general aviation.
Seasonal Restrictions
Check for seasonal closures or restrictions for certain trails or campgrounds, especially during heavy snowfall or flood seasons. Refer to the official Colville National Forest website for up-to-date alerts and closing periods of campgrounds near Colville National Forest.
Fees in Colville National Forest
There is no general entry fee for the forest, but certain recreation activities, including camping and use of specific sites, may incur a fee. Visitors can also purchase a National Forest Day Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($30) for access to recreation sites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colville National Forest
What type of wildlife lives in Colville National Forest?
Wildlife that lives in Colville National Forest includes grizzly bears, caribou, black bears, moose, and bighorn sheep. There are also many different bird species that live in the forest, along with fish in the streams and lakes.
What is the closest town to Colville National Forest?
Colville is one of the closest towns to Colville National Forest. There are restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and grocery stores so it's a great spot to stock up while camping.
Is Colville National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Colville National Forest is open year-round. However, some areas of the forest may be closed in winter and some services may not be available because of snow. It is a great winter spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. In summer, it's a great place for hiking, biking, paddling, and other outdoor adventures.
Is there a fee to get into Colville National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Colville National Forest. There are permits and fees required for certain areas, however. Day-use areas, sno-parks, and other spots may require purchasing a permit or paying a fee to visit for the day.
Does Colville National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Colville National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest, and does not cost. There are no amenities like water, restrooms, or trash service, so campers must be self-sufficient. Campers must also pack everything out when they leave and leave no trace.
