Thompson Ridge Trail
The Thompson Ridge Jeep trail is rated as difficult due to steep rocky slopes, rocky ledges, stream crossing with a deep hole and vertical clay bank, and tight switchbacks and boulders that make this a trail requiring careful driving. It’s recommended only for experienced drivers with 4WD, high-clearance, short-wheelbase vehicles under 72” in width. This trail is maintained once a year by the Tri-County Motorized Recreation Association, but expect deadfall, mud and water crossings. Bring saws, safety gear, and vehicle and tire tools and repair kits. This is an out-and-back route since the trail ends at the boundary of the non-motorized forest section at the north end of the trail.
There are lots of viewpoints along the trail of the Kettle Crest Range, the Canadian mountains, and toward the eastern mountains into Idaho. A rough user-defined track heads north into non-motorized lands—please use a GPS or the Avenza mapping app with the motor vehicle use map to ensure you stay on the legal trail. Future Forest Service trail developments include expanding Thompson Ridge Jeep trail to the north to make a loop route with Boulder Creek Road, but this route is currently closed to motorized vehicles.
Motorized vehicle users: Make sure you have your MVUM with you!
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are the official maps for designating all roads and trails available for public motorized travel on the Colville National Forest. Visitors should not rely on any other map for making decisions about motorized travel. A MVUM is a legally enforceable document that identifies the roads, trails, and areas where motor vehicle use is allowed in a Forest Service administrative unit or ranger district. Forest User Maps combine information from the Motor Vehicle Use Maps and firewood cutting information. This provides a single map that includes the necessary information you will need to navigate the forest for recreation, firewood cutting, and other adventures.
