Winter Recreation
Washington State’s Winter Recreation Program manages cleared parking areas, or Sno-Parks, located near groomed and backcountry trails. Ferry County, WA, has Sno-Park access to several popular trails. Remember: a Sno-Park permit is required to park in the plowed access areas.
Cross-country Skiing
The Deer Creek Summit South and North trails, which are also along the Kettle Crest, are quite nice, and generally well-groomed and maintained by the Republic Ranger District recreation staff.
The Deer Creek trails are generally rated beginner to intermediate, with some more challenging off track skiing if people are interested. There are 12 miles of winter trails in the Deer Creek Summit South and North area.
- Colville National Forest – Deer Creek Summit North Trailhead / Sno-Park (usda.gov)
- Colville National Forest – Deer Creek Summit South Trailhead / Sno-Park (usda.gov)
The Sherman Peak Loop or Snow Peak Cabin trails are a lot more demanding and are rated intermediate to advanced. (Again, Ferry County Sno-Park permit required for the parking area.) These trails are not groomed and skiers or snowshoers are warned to be aware of potential avalanche dangers, which occur in this area.
Snowmobiling
The Snowmobile Sno-Parks in Ferry County are open to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation. Remember, trail grooming reports are posted on Monday thru Saturday. No updates on Sundays or holidays. Visit linked pages below for info. After storms, expect repair crews and tree debris to be on trails.
- Albian Hill: Inland Northeast / Southeast | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
- Empire: Colville National Forest – Empire Lake Sno-Park (usda.gov)
- Hall Creek: Colville National Forest – Hall Creek Sno-Park (usda.gov)
Access Curlew Lake, for snowmobiling, from Curlew Lake State Park (Discovery Pass required). Phone Ranger Ric Sanders at Curlew Lake State Park, (509) 775-3592, for ice thickness reports.
Non-motorized Trails
The Ferry County Rail Trail is a groomed trail, and is scenic, easy to access, and perfect for beginners. Access to the trail can be had at multiple trailheads around the lake. Visit the Rail Trail site for comprehensive information. More info at: Ferrycountyrailtrail.com
In the winter, Curlew Lake is accessible for hiking via Curlew Lake State Park. Though the park is listed as closed in the winter months, due to the restrooms being closed for renovation, the public is still allowed to use the park as a launching point for ice fishing, sledding, and cross-country skiing. The park ranger reports that there is a sani can available at the boat launch. Warning: the lake freezes over at different times of the year and to different thicknesses, every year. Please check ice conditions with the lake’s ranger, before traversing the lake when it is ice covered. A Discover Pass is required, and the launch is free.
Ranger Ric Sanders
Curlew Lake State Park
62 State Park Rd.
Republic WA 99166
(509) 775-3592
Sno-Park Permits, Discovery Passes, and Snowmobile Licenses
Use of Washington State’s trails requires a Discovery Pass, a Sno-Park permit, or both.
Use of Washington State’s trails requires a Discovery Pass, a Sno-Park permit, or both.
Sno-Park permits are available online from Nov. 1 through April 30. If you have a current Sno-Park permit, you will not need to purchase a Discover Pass to use a designated Sno-Park between Dec. 1 and March 31 for winter recreation activities. However, your Sno-Park permit may not be used to access other state recreation lands. https://epermits.parks.wa.gov/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). https://parks.state.wa.us/167/Discover-Pass
Visit Washington State Department of Licensing if you need to register your snowmobile. https://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/licensesnowmobile.html
TRAIL SAFETY AND CAUTIONS!
- Stay on designated trails. Be a responsible rider, skier, snowshoer, or hiker.
- Pack it in and pack it out! Keep the trail clean for the next rider.
- Ride only on trails within your ability. If you are not an experienced rider, stay off advanced trails.
- Make sure your vehicle meets Washington State’s ORV licensing and registration requirements.
- Remember to ride safely and wear a helmet.
- All water collected from lakes or trails should be treated before drinking. Always plan for injuries and abrupt changes in weather by carrying matches, a knife, first aid supplies, food, water, and extra clothes.
- Recommend that you travel in groups.
- Be prepared for fallen trees and close brush.
- Be prepared for avalanches.
- Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them.
- Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.
- One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don’t go to help your stuck friend. Don’t group up in runout zones.
- Take an avalanche course.
- If you see recent avalanche activity unstable snow exists, stay out of that area. Riding on or underneath slopes is dangerous.