The Kettle River Range
The Kettle River
Range crowns the
western half of the
Colville National
Forest. The mountains—some gentle,
some jagged—provide distant views
of the Cascade and
Rocky Mountains
Sagebrush and forest along the Kettle Crest. © Tim Coleman
from open meadows
filled with sagebrush and midsummer wildflowers. Sherman Pass on
Hwy 20 is a starting point for hikes along the Kettle Crest and scenic
drives throughout the region. It is also the highest maintained
highway pass in Washington.
The surrounding forest is a mosaic of green fir, spruce, and pine and
ghostly gray snags. Wolverines, Canada lynx, gray wolves, and pine
martens seek mid-elevation forests but also travel the high peaks.
Great gray owls, mountain bluebirds, and pileated woodpeckers nest
in the many snags still standing from past wildfires. Many animals,
including black bears, mule deer, moose, and spruce, dusky, and
ruffed grouse can be found along the backroads and backcountry
trails of the Kettle River Range.
Great gray owls (Strix nebulosa)
© PaulBannick.com
Sometimes referred to as the "great gray
ghost," this owl haunts the open, older, mixed
conifer forests of northeast Washington searching for mice, voles—sometimes even other
birds. The tallest of North American owls, the
great gray owl glides silently through the trees
thanks to a massive wingspan and light-weight
body. Dense, insulating feathers allow the great
gray to survive the deep snows and harsh winds
of northeast Washington winters.
Wildlife Viewing & Recreation Guide
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