Shedroof Divide Trail

Looking back at the Shedroof Divide from Crowell Ridge by Holly Weiler

This Backcountry Response Team trip will be working within the beautiful Salmo-Priest Wilderness, the only Wilderness in the northeast part of Washington. This will be a four day/three night backpacking trip. We will be working on the Shedroof Divide trail either near the Thunder Creek cutoff or out towards Little Snowy Top depending on which area has the greatest need. The work will include logout, tread work, drainage repair and brushing. Come join us in a great wilderness area that has stunning views and abundant wildlife.

The 41,000 acre Salmo-Priest Wilderness is located on the Colville National Forest in the extreme northeast corner of Washington. The wilderness is dominated by the Shedroof Divide and Crowell Ridge. We will be working on the Shedroof Divide trail either near the Thunder Creek cutoff or out towards Little Snowy Top. Both are beautiful sections of trail and we will choose which to work on based on which has the more immediate need. The mileages involved could vary widely based on the seriousness of the problems encountered but the trip will not be greater than 20 miles over the three days.

Driving directions:
At this time the meeting point will be Gypsy Meadows. The drive from Spokane to Gypsy Meadows is a about a 2.5 hour drive, not including stops. From Spokane, take Highway 2 north to the junction with Highway 211 (look for signs for Cusick, Metaline Falls, etc.). Head north on 211 to the junction at Usk and turn left onto Highway 20. Continue north on Highway 20 a few miles past the rest area/museum at Tiger and the turnoff for Tiger Pass (Highway 20). A few miles past the “Airport Quick Stop” mini mart/gas station on your left, and just as you’re entering the outskirts of the town of Ione, take a poorly marked right onto paved County Road# 9345, which should have a sign directing you towards Sullivan Lake. Cross the river and stay on road #9345 (the middle road option) at the multi-road junction on the east side of the bridge and then continue on about 12 miles through the woods and past the lake, campground, and ranger station and turn right onto Forest Service Road 22. Drive about 6 miles and keep to the left at the major Y junction with the turn-off to Pass Creek Pass. This will put you on FS 2220. Follow this for 14 miles, passing Gypsy Meadows Campground and then a junction with FS 27 on your left, to the trailhead at road end.