Thirteenmile — Saturday, May. 28, 2016

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range

Minimal water available. National Forest but no postings about a pass required for your vehicle. Parking lot is about a mile south from the coordinates on this page, where the Thirteen Mile (via Bear Pit) post is on the map which is not correct. Can’t miss the parking lot though right off the highway. Began on Sat afternoon and was surprised to see just 2 cars at the campground on Mem day weekend. Came from the west side to escape the wet and cloudy weather. Interesting guy in the parking lot was sure to warn us about bears, cougars, and rattlesnakes but we saw none nor signs of any though I know they do inhabit this area. After the first ¼ mile or so you rise above the river and this is the last substantial water we saw until just past the FR 4 miles in. Just down from the FR was a slow moving creek that provided us with good water for 2 days. Camped just above here in a nice clearing. On sunday hiked out to tag 13 mile mountain which is about another 4 miles but not a ton of elevation. Remains of a fire lookout and a great 360 view. No signs for it but it becomes clear which one it is as it's the tallest on the ridge and no trees up top. Saw two day parties on the way back to camp otherwise that was it. No drinkable water in that 4 miles stretch so fill up at the creek. Not sure what's past 13 mile mountain but I doubt there's a ton of water. The creek about 4 miles in wasn’t running too high so I wouldn’t really count on that for much longer so bring lots of water. Easy hike out the way we came on Monday and met the same interesting fellow who warned us about wildlife in the parking lot and he informed us that at least 5 different groups came in those 2 nights to steal our car. Flatbeds ready and everything. Luckily he was there to scare them off. Couldn’t find any info about car jackings in that lot and this guy was a character so I don’t know how much stock I put into his story… Overall it’s a cool area to check out, mainly if you want to camp and the cascades are wet. Worth doing at some point I’d say but nothing to put at the top of your list.