- Region
- WA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements with t…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Colville National Forest; Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District
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Photos of Salmo-Priest Wilderness
How to get there
For Salmo Basin Trailhead, start at the junction of County Road 9345 (Sullivan Lake) and Forest Road 22 (Sullivan Creek). Turn east and drive 5.9 miles to Forest Road 2022000 (Upper Sullivan Creek), then follow that road for 13.4 miles to the trailhead. Parking accommodates trucks and horse trailers. The trailhead has a vault toilet, a fire ring and two hitching posts.
- Salmo Basin Trailhead
Road access to Salmo Basin Trail #506 and its connection with the 18-mile loop system. Facilities include a vault toilet, a fire ring, two hitching posts and parking for trucks and horse trailers.
- Shedroof Divide Trail
An eastern-ridge trail access corridor through open timber and subalpine meadows, connected to Salmo Basin #506 and Salmo Divide #535 in the loop system. Several miles extend outside the wilderness into Idaho; confirm the intended entry location and approach with the ranger district.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
WA, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Two ridges in Washington’s northeastern corner
Salmo-Priest Wilderness occupies the Selkirk Mountains in Washington’s far northeastern corner, along Idaho and British Columbia. Its U-shaped terrain centers on two long ridges running roughly southwest to northeast, joined near their northern ends by a ridge crowned by 6,828-foot Salmo Mountain. The eastern ridge is lower, rounder and more wooded; the western ridge has steeper sides and a rocky crest. Deep stream drainages cut into both. This layout makes the choice between basin walking and ridge travel important: the trails offer distinctly different views of the same country. Eastern slopes send water toward Idaho’s Priest River, while most of the remaining wilderness drains west through Sullivan Creek and the Salmo River toward the Pend Oreille River. Plan around the terrain rather than treating the wilderness as a single uniform hiking area.
Old-growth basins and ridge routes
Below the ridgelines, western red cedar, western hemlock, Douglas fir, grand fir and larch form extensive old-growth forest. Salmo Basin Trail #506 enters cedar-hemlock forest on moderate to steep grades and crosses the south fork of the Salmo River, a stream supporting bull trout. It also forms part of an 18-mile loop with Shedroof Divide #512 and Salmo Divide #535. For a longer ridge-focused outing, the 21.8-mile Shedroof Divide Trail follows the eastern ridge through open timber and subalpine meadows, with several miles continuing outside the wilderness into Idaho. Crowell Ridge Trail follows the narrower western ridge for 7.8 miles, with views into trailless country to the north. Feeder trails climb the drainages and connect the main ridge routes; carry mapping that shows those connections before committing to a linked trip.
Snow, water and wildlife planning
Salmo-Priest receives more than 50 inches of precipitation annually, and higher ground can hold winter snow until early July. Summer is the listed season for Salmo Basin Trail, but conditions at elevation still deserve a check before departure. Pack for wet weather and cold conditions, and assess the south fork of the Salmo River crossing rather than assuming it will be straightforward. Seasonal streams along Salmo Basin Trail should not be treated as guaranteed water sources; carry sufficient water and a treatment method. Black bears, moose and other large mammals inhabit these forests, and grizzly bears and gray wolves also occur in the region. Keep wildlife at a distance and secure food appropriately. Motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited within the wilderness. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Salmo-Priest Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 48.8982, -117.2168
- Latitude (DMS)
- 48° 53′ 53.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 117° 13′ 0.4″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Salmo-Priest Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Tucked among the Selkirk Mountains in the extreme northeastern corner of Washington, the U-shaped Salmo-Priest Wilderness extends its borders along those of Idaho and British Columbia. Its most prominent...
Key takeaways
- Region: WA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 48.898, -117.217
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Salmo-Priest Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Salmo-Priest Wilderness
Two ridges in Washington’s northeastern corner
Salmo-Priest Wilderness occupies the Selkirk Mountains in Washington’s far northeastern corner, along Idaho and British Columbia. Its U-shaped terrain centers on two long ridges running roughly southwest to northeast, joined near their northern ends by a ridge crowned by 6,828-foot Salmo Mountain. The eastern ridge is lower, rounder and more wooded; the western ridge has steeper sides and a rocky crest. Deep stream drainages cut into both. This layout makes the choice between basin walking and ridge travel important: the trails offer distinctly different views of the same country. Eastern slopes send water toward Idaho’s Priest River, while most of the remaining wilderness drains west through Sullivan Creek and the Salmo River toward the Pend Oreille River. Plan around the terrain rather than treating the wilderness as a single uniform hiking area.
Old-growth basins and ridge routes
Below the ridgelines, western red cedar, western hemlock, Douglas fir, grand fir and larch form extensive old-growth forest. Salmo Basin Trail #506 enters cedar-hemlock forest on moderate to steep grades and crosses the south fork of the Salmo River, a stream supporting bull trout. It also forms part of an 18-mile loop with Shedroof Divide #512 and Salmo Divide #535. For a longer ridge-focused outing, the 21.8-mile Shedroof Divide Trail follows the eastern ridge through open timber and subalpine meadows, with several miles continuing outside the wilderness into Idaho. Crowell Ridge Trail follows the narrower western ridge for 7.8 miles, with views into trailless country to the north. Feeder trails climb the drainages and connect the main ridge routes; carry mapping that shows those connections before committing to a linked trip.
Snow, water and wildlife planning
Salmo-Priest receives more than 50 inches of precipitation annually, and higher ground can hold winter snow until early July. Summer is the listed season for Salmo Basin Trail, but conditions at elevation still deserve a check before departure. Pack for wet weather and cold conditions, and assess the south fork of the Salmo River crossing rather than assuming it will be straightforward. Seasonal streams along Salmo Basin Trail should not be treated as guaranteed water sources; carry sufficient water and a treatment method. Black bears, moose and other large mammals inhabit these forests, and grizzly bears and gray wolves also occur in the region. Keep wildlife at a distance and secure food appropriately. Motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited within the wilderness. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District.
Route options
- Salmo Basin Trail #506Moderate to steep grades
A basin route through old-growth cedar-hemlock forest, crossing the south fork of the Salmo River and passing seasonal streams. Suitable for planning a day hike or incorporating into a backpacking trip.
- Salmo Basin–Shedroof Divide–Salmo Divide loop18-mile loop
A linked loop system using Salmo Basin #506, Shedroof Divide #512 and Salmo Divide #535. Check trail conditions and carry a map showing all three trails and their junctions.
- Shedroof Divide Trail21.8 miles
Follows the eastern ridge through open timber and subalpine meadows. The full trail includes several miles of non-wilderness ridgeline extending into Idaho; its full length is distinct from the shorter loop system.
- Crowell Ridge Trail7.8 miles
Traces the narrower western ridge, overlooking trailless backcountry to the north. The western ridge is steeper-sided and rockier than the eastern ridge.
Sample itineraries
- Salmo Basin day hike · 1 day
Follow Salmo Basin #506 into old-growth cedar-hemlock forest, choosing an out-and-back turnaround suited to conditions and fitness. Expect moderate to steep grades. The trail crosses the south fork of the Salmo River; assess the crossing before committing.
- Salmo Basin loop backpack · 3 days
Allow three days for the 18-mile loop linking Salmo Basin #506, Shedroof Divide #512 and Salmo Divide #535. Combine forest walking with ridge travel. Confirm trail conditions and suitable overnight locations with the ranger district before departure.
- Crowell Ridge outing · 1 day
Explore part of the 7.8-mile Crowell Ridge Trail as an out-and-back day hike. This narrower western ridge overlooks trailless backcountry to the north. Set a conservative turnaround rather than assuming the full trail length fits a day.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before high-elevation snow clears
Lingering winter snow limits high-country hiking. Plan conservatively around snow-covered terrain and check access and trail conditions before heading toward either ridge.
Summer
Summer; high-elevation snow may persist into early July
Summer is the listed season of use for Salmo Basin #506. Snow can linger at higher elevations into early July. Seasonal streams occur along the trail, but do not assume every drainage will provide water.
Fall
Fall
This wet mountain setting calls for rain protection, warm layers and flexible plans. Check current snow and access conditions rather than assuming summer trail conditions continue.
Winter
Winter
Winter snow blankets the high country and can persist well beyond winter. Treat travel as a snow-country undertaking, not an extension of the summer hiking season; verify road and trail access.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before high-elevation snow clears | Lingering winter snow limits high-country hiking. Plan conservatively around snow-covered terrain and check access and trail conditions before heading toward either ridge. |
| Summer | Summer; high-elevation snow may persist into early July | Summer is the listed season of use for Salmo Basin #506. Snow can linger at higher elevations into early July. Seasonal streams occur along the trail, but do not assume every drainage will provide water. |
| Fall | Fall | This wet mountain setting calls for rain protection, warm layers and flexible plans. Check current snow and access conditions rather than assuming summer trail conditions continue. |
| Winter | Winter | Winter snow blankets the high country and can persist well beyond winter. Treat travel as a snow-country undertaking, not an extension of the summer hiking season; verify road and trail access. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements with the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District before departure.
Official source: Salmo Basin #506 - Colville National Forest · Verified November 3, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Salmo Basin #506 has moderate to steep grades; allow enough time and energy for the return or remaining loop.
- The western ridge is steep-sided and rocky-crested, with deep drainages below. Stay within navigation and terrain skills.
- Snow may remain at higher elevations until early July, complicating footing and route-finding.
- Salmo Basin #506 crosses the south fork of the Salmo River. Assess water conditions and turn back if the crossing is unsafe.
- Annual precipitation exceeds 50 inches. Carry rain protection and keep insulating layers dry.
- Black bears and rarely sighted grizzly bears inhabit the area. Secure food, keep wildlife at a distance and prepare for bear encounters.
What to pack for Salmo-Priest Wilderness
- USGS Salmo Mountain map and maps covering the full planned route
- Compass and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Waterproof shell
- Warm insulating layers
- Dry storage for clothing and sleeping gear
- Footwear suited to steep trails
- Snow-travel equipment when conditions require it
- Water treatment
- Water containers with capacity between reliable sources
- Bear-resistant food storage
- Bear spray carried accessibly
- Shelter and sleeping system for backpacking
Salmo-Priest Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Salmo-Priest Wilderness?
- It lies in the Selkirk Mountains of extreme northeastern Washington, along Idaho and British Columbia. Two long ridges define its U-shaped landscape, connected near their northern ends by a ridge crowned by 6,828-foot Salmo Mountain.
- How do you reach the Salmo Basin trailhead?
- From County Road 9345 at Forest Road 22, turn east onto Forest Road 22 and drive 5.9 miles to Forest Road 2022000, Upper Sullivan Creek. Follow that road for 13.4 miles to the trailhead. Check road conditions before driving.
- What facilities are at the Salmo Basin trailhead?
- The trailhead has a vault toilet, a fire ring and two hitching posts. Parking accommodates trucks and horse trailers. A fire ring does not establish that fires are currently allowed; check current restrictions.
- Are bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed?
- No. Motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited within the wilderness. Salmo Basin #506 is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles.
- How do the main ridge trails differ?
- Shedroof Divide Trail follows the lower, more wooded eastern ridge through open timber and subalpine meadows for 21.8 miles, including non-wilderness terrain into Idaho. Crowell Ridge Trail follows the narrower western ridge for 7.8 miles, overlooking trailless backcountry.
- Who can confirm current conditions and requirements?
- Contact the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District at (509) 447-7300. Ask about trail clearing, snow, river-crossing conditions, road access, permit requirements and current restrictions for the intended route.