Join us for Epic Riding and Trailwork at Kettlefest THIS Week!
Five days of camping, riding, trail stewardship, and rider fellowship!
Enjoy some of Washington’s best singletrack in a remote, alpine setting of NE Washington. In an annual tradition, riders from all across the region including Seattle, Spokane, Boise and B.C. converge to hang out, experience awesome trails and give back to area with a day devoted to trail work.
Special this year: Work and ride with Evergreen’s Trail Crew! We should have a team of about 15 staff attending this year – so if you’d like to spend some time with the builders who are making things happen across the State – this year’s your chance to get to know even more! We’re also getting support from the great WCBC crew out of Bellingham this year, so come join us for an amazing trail builder summit and ride experience!
Come when you can, leave when you must - you don't have to commit to the five days. No reservations, no registration, but if you’re coming, please drop us a note with the size of your party.
Kettle Fest 2013 from trid on Vimeo:
A rough idea of the plan......which is up for change and suggestions (We like to keep things freeform for this event!)
Wed July 13: Jungle Hill
Easy Option: 10 miles, 1300 ft climbing, 2500 ft descending
Medium Option: 14 miles, 2300 ft climbing, 3300 ft descending
Hard Option: 18 miles, 3600 ft climbing/descending
For the easy and medium options we shuttle up to the top of Sherman Pass and start up the Kettle Crest trail. The easy option allows riders to turn around after Columbia Mountain and descend all the way back to the campground. Otherwise, riders will continue climbing and descending along the Kettle Crest until the top of Jungle Hill where the payoff awaits.
The hard option starts from the campground with about 1300ft of climbing to get up to Sherman Pass. After climbing on the Kettle Crest there is an optional detour to Columbia Mountain which has an awesome 360 degree view.
Thursday July 14: Old Stage/Kettle Crest
Easy Option: 7-10 miles, 800-1200 ft climbing/descending
Hard Option: 23.5 miles, 3800 ft climbing/descending
The ride starts off with an easy climb up to the Kettle Crest trail. Once on the Kettle Crest the trail opens up with amazing views while gaining and losing elevation in small spurts. For riders who want to continue with the hard option, we will then ride down Stickpin: a fun descent which we did trail work on last year. From the bottom of Stickpin it’s a steep climb up Ryan’s Cabin to connect back onto the Kettle Crest and head back to the starting point.
For the shuttle we drive north on Hw395 to Boulder Creek Rd and leave 2 cars near the bottom of Boulder Creek Rd( at the exit of FR 6110)
Friday July 15: Trailwork day
Like past years, we partnered with the Forest Service to give the trails some much needed care. This year we will be working on three locations within the Columbia Mountain trail system.
In solid Kettle Fest tradition, we will probably carpool into Kettle Falls for drinks and dinner after we work (and swim).
Saturday July 16: Abercrombie Mountain:
About an hour and 40 min drive from camp. Point to point shuttle, then 2,300ft of climbing (in 3.4miles), topping out on 7,300ft Abercrombie Mtn.....Then a 4,200ft descent over nearly 7 miles!! This will be a long day, but an EPIC ride! Option to have drinks/dinner in Kettle Falls or other town on way back.
Sunday, July 16: Snow Peak Cabin:
Easy Option: 16 miles, 2200 ft climbing, 3400 ft descending
Hard Option: 26 miles, 4800 ft climbing, 6000 ft descending
For the easier ride we will shuttle up to Sherman pass to begin the ride on the Kettle Crest South trail. The trail climbs up and around Sherman Peak and then continues south to Snow Peak Cabin, a cool spot for lunch. From Snow Peak Cabin most riders choose to head back to Sherman Pass and then down the Sherman Tie Trail for another great descent to the campground.
For those riders who are looking for a longer ride, there is an option to continue South from Snow Peak Cabin and climb up to the junction at Barnaby Buttes and then up to White Mountain before turning around
There's something for everyone in terms of trails at KettleFest, with great Kettle Crest views and wilderness quality riding on stellar singletrack. Camping is free at the Jungle Hill Campground and the event is casual. The event is kid- and family-friendly so come out to camp, work on trails and ride for a couple days or the entire 5 days. It might be a bit of a drive, but it really is worth it!
Directions: In between the small towns of Republic and Kettle Falls, less than 2 miles NE of Sherman Pass on Highway 20. Head North on Albian Hill Rd #2030. Follow the road for .6 miles to the sign at the edge of the gravel pit. From there stay left and go .2 miles to the campsite area. The campground provides a single bathroom, fire pits, and tables. Water is accessible from a creek but requires treatment.
Directions to campground
What to bring:
• all the junk you bring to bike and car camp and celebrate for several days!
• water, ice, bug spray, sunscreen. LOTS of WATER!
• bathing suit - the swimming holes are awesome!
• food and beverages to share
• The Evergreen crew will take care of a couple of breakfasts and we’ll have plenty of beer to share!
What will be provided:
• free camping at Jungle Hill Campground (pit toilet, no potable water, creek)
• a rough plan for group rides
• a plan and tools for the Friday trailwork day w/ apres beverages at Northern Ales!
• snacks from our pals at Clif Bar
Questions / Comments/RSVP: Call Yvonne @ (206) 450-3261
fyi; After Tuesday pm we will be unplugged for the most part.....just come join us!