Prior to this hike, I mapped out a roughly 18 mile loop. The hike starts at the Sherman Trail TH on the west end of the loop. That short trail climbs to a junction with the Kettle Crest Trail. I left the KCT at the Wapaloosie Trail, hiked the road to the Jungle Hill TH, then up the Sherman Pass Trail to the KCT. My initial plan included the Columbia Mountain loop, then back onto the KCT to the Sherman Trail.

I hiked a short section of the Kettle Crest Trail this past weekend. It’s part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, a 1200-mile National Scenic Trail. This area has a reputation for not being as crowded as trails in the Cascades, and I’ve decided I want to explore more of it. Having touched a small piece of it, I’m ready for more!