Snow Peak Stays

FROM FOR THE RECORD (Wednesday, November 15, 2000): Correction Snowmobiles restricted: A story in the Sunday Outdoors & Travel section incorrectly reported the uses allowed on the Colville National Forest south of Sherman Pass. Snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles are not allowed for access to the Snow Peak cabin and elsewhere in that area of the Kettle Range.

Colville National Forest

Mark Dec. 1 on your calendar if you’re a backcountry skier interested in making a reservation for the Snow Peak cabin on the crest of Northeastern Washington’s Kettle Range.

The growing popularity among winter recreationists for the backcountry abode on the Colville National Forest has prompted the Republic Ranger District to change its reservation policies.

Reservations for 2001 will be taken starting Dec. 1 at 7:30 a.m. If last year was an indication, most of the winter weekends at the one-room cabin will be reserved within an hour.

Reservations are on a first-come first-served basis and are limited to one reservation per person, with a seven-day stay limit.

The fee is being increased this year to $7.50 per person per night with a four person minimum. The shelter features solar-electric lighting, a wood heating stove, cots, cooking utensils and a propane cook stove.

The cabin is several miles south of Highway 20 and Sherman Pass. It’s accessible in winter only by ski, snowshoe or possibly by snowmobile, depending on snow conditions.

For more information, and to make reservations starting Dec. 1, call the Republic Ranger District, (509) 775-7400.