The trail on Fir Mountain can be hard to follow at times, but persistent route-finders are rewarded with a 2 mile, steep trail through open pine forest to views from a former fire lookout site.
In late summer, berries for snacking along the way abound, and green wet areas full of flowers make for gorgeous photos. If you're watchful, you may be rewarded with some glimpses of wildlife, too.
In winter, the hike is a steep march through forest and quiet drifts of snow. The hardest part about the winter route may be finding enough room to park the car, but as a last resort, use the Sweat Creek parking lot, only a short walk across Highway 20 from the trailhead.
The winter trail immediately begins its steady march up the steep slope. While the initial forest is second-growth and largely uninteresting, it doesn't take long for the trees to open up and the views to improve. At the same time, it's easy to see that this trail is a wildlife haven, as evidenced by the numerous tracks crisscrossing the trail.
Watch for sawed trees, the tell-tale sign of the correct trail corridor, so as not to be led astray by the game trails. At the windswept summit, former site of a lookout tower, the views are fantastic in all directions. Return via the same route.
Fir Mountain
48.6753,
-118.8995
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,174 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,674 feet
A lightly used trail that can be hard to follow, to the summit of a mountain in Eastern Washington that is the site of a former fire lookout.
Continue reading
Hiking Fir Mountain
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA 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
The parking lot for this hike is near the Sweat Creek Picnic Area.
From Spokane, take Highway 395 north through Colville and Kettle Falls. Cross the bridge over the Columbia, then turn left on Highway 20. Continue over Sherman Pass through Republic, remaining on Highway 20. Approximately 8 miles beyond Republic, turn left on FS 31 across the road from the Sweat Creek Picnic Area. The TH is on the right in approximately a half mile; limited parking on the left.
There is a post on your right marking the start of the trail. There may be some parking nearer to the trail, but the road isn't the widest and plenty of firewood laden pickups come roaring down this road, so shoulder park at your own risk.
Print
Email
