Kettle Crest North

With 12 named peaks along a route that starts and stays high, hikers can expect big views, no crowds and excellent stargazing.

This National Recreation Trail contours around 11 peaks and goes directly over the summit of the 12th and highest, Copper Butte, along its 29-mile length. With easy access at either end, it’s possible to do this as a point-to-point with a shuttle vehicle or go for an out-and-back of varied distance from either trailhead. Along the route are several easy, off-trail scrambles with good vistas from their summits.

For an easy campsite with unobstructed stargazing potential, camp at Copper Butte. At 7,140 feet, it’s the highest peak on the crest and the sixth tallest in Eastern Washington. For a campsite with water nearby, opt instead for the old sheepherder camp near the intersection with the Jungle Hill Trail, where a piped spring pours ice-cold water into a shallow pool. The spacious camp area is tucked in the trees, but good stargazing can be found just uphill.