Deer Creek

Tucked away just east of Kettle Crest and directly south of the Canadian border, Deer Creek is one of the most diverse roadless areas in the Colville National Forest. The land varies greatly and includes moist forests of red cedar, as well as drier stands of massive Douglas fir and Engelmann spruce. Also unique to Deer Creek are rich wetlands, thick bogs, and beaver ponds, making it a true sanctuary of biodiversity.

Deer Creek plays a crucial role in linking landscapes and provides a bridge for wildlife moving between British Columbia and Washington State. Some 35 grizzly bears inhabit the Mt. Gladstone National Park just north of the Kettle River Range in Canada. Canada lynx, elk, pine marten, and mule deer also rely on this roadless area for safe passage between essential habitats. Deer Creek’s old-growth forests provide habitat to goshawk and great grey owls and its beaver ponds provide homes to diverse amphibian wildlife.

A natural wonder, Deer Creek provides all of the water for the nearby town of Orient; the water is so pristine that it was never treated until only five years ago. For years locals have opposed logging of their watershed to maintain the natural treasure of pure, clean water straight from the mountains.