September 2012
September 28 & 29 volunteers from Ferry and Stevens counties worked for two days building another section of the new Gibraltar Trail south of Republic. Kettle Range Conservation Group organized the event as part of their seasonal trail maintenance and hiking program. Beautiful fall weather helped inspire volunteers to complete almost a mile of trail using hand tools supplied by the Republic Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service.
When completed Gibraltar Trail on the Colville National Forest will connect to the Golden Tiger Pathway and Republic via a 13.5 mile loop trail. This family-oriented non-motorized trail is designed for moderate hiking, mountain bicycle riding, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing. “What’s unique about the Gibraltar trail are its groves of old growth Ponderosa, expansive meadows, wetlands and distant views of the Kettle Crest, Okanogan Highlands and even the Canadian Rockies”, said Steve Anthes, president of the Kettle Range Conservation Group.
When completed the Gibraltar Trail will add to Ferry County’s growing recreation and tourism infrastructure, linking Ferry County Rail Trail to the economic hubs of Curlew Lake, Curlew and Republic. The Forest Service recently completed the construction of an expansive Gibraltar trailhead to accommodate vehicle pull-through horse trailer parking and that includes a picnic area and restroom. Volunteers are needed for another work party this year and again next spring and summer. For more information on the Gibraltar Trail or to volunteer go to www.kettlerange.org or call 775-2667.
