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Columbia Mountain

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range
48.6593, -118.8588 Map & Directions
Length
5.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,348 feet
Highest Point
6,565 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
View back towards Republic. Photo by Spokane Hiker. Full-size image
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Summits

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

One of the most popular hikes on the Colville National Forest is the short but challenging hike to the summit of Columbia Mountain, where vistas of surrounding mountains, wildflowers and one of the oldest fire lookouts in the state await you. Continue reading

Rating
5.00 out of 5

Hiking Columbia Mountain

One of the most popular hikes on the Colville National Forest is the short but challenging hike to the summit of Columbia Mountain, where vistas of surrounding mountains, wildflowers and one of the oldest fire lookouts in the state await you.

The trail wraps around the base of Columbia Mountain, passing through pine forest, aspen groves and even a section of aromatic sagebrush. A variant of the hike will take you around a loop trail around the summit of the mountain. There is water available at springs at approximately 2 miles into the hike, but bring a filter as the springs are used by cattle.

Camping is available at both the trailhead and at the summit. The lookout has been restored and is open to the public for camping, but no fires or cook stoves are allowed inside or near the structure.

The summit stands at 6,760 feet and has great views to the south and west. Wildflowers abound in the summit meadow in the spring and summer.

Hike Description Written by
Artie McRae, WTA Community

Columbia Mountain

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.6593, -118.8588 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Republic, take Highway 20 eastbound over Sherman Pass. Proceed 4.2 miles east of the Pass, then turn left (north) on Albion Hill Road.

From the east: Immediately after crossing the Columbia River bridge just west of Kettle Falls, take Highway 20 westbound. At approximately 18 miles, turn right (north) on Albion Hill Road.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range

Columbia Mountain (#24)

Colville National Forest, Republic Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

USGS Sherman Peak

USGS Edds Mountain

USGS Copper Butte

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Columbia Mountain

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