Take a
hike with your pup on the Sullivan Lake Trail and see one of the Colville
National Forest’s most spectacular gems. This popular 8.2-mile there-and-back
trail winds along the lakeshore of the gorgeous Sullivan Lake waters surrounded
by the Selkirk Mountain Range.
You’ll
find the trailhead for this scenic trek at the East Sullivan Campground on the
lake’s northern end. In this national forest, dogs must be leashed in developed
recreation sites, but once you’re a little ways down the trail, it’s okay to
let your pup off leash. Just be sure Fido stays under voice control and within eyesight,
as there are lots of other hikers and wildlife in the area.
The
trail starts off in a picturesque Pacific Northwest forest where moss grows
wild and hemlock and red cedar trees tower overhead. You and your dog will hike
along the foothills of Hall Mountain for a while until the views open up to
stunning rocky outcroppings and lake views. There are benches here where you
and your furry pal can take in the sights and catch your breath. You can also
hike down to the water and dip your toes into the frigid waters!
There
are many other fantastic things to see on the Sullivan Lake Trail like bighorn
sheep! These majestic quadrupeds are frequently spotted hanging around the
area. If you make a trek in the fall, you and Fido will enjoy the bright shades
of gold and red as the larch trees change color with the season. Whether
permitting, the aurora borealis are sometimes visible from the lakeshore
certain times of the year! It’s a breathtaking sight as countless stars dust
the skies surrounding the glow of the northern lights – all over the reflection
of the lake and the silhouetted mountains!
With
surreal scenery and a furrific trail, you and your pup will have a great time
on the Sullivan Lake Trail!