Kettle Fest: 2025 Event Recap
Another Kettle Fest has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of memories and camaraderie at the Jungle Hill Campground. This year marked around 20 years of celebration in the Kettle Crest, a tradition that began during the days of the Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC).
Eddie Espinosa, Evergreen’s own Executive Director, was among the notable attendees this year. Joining him was former Evergreen Executive Director and current Executive Director of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, Yvonne Krauss. Their presence underscored the longstanding leadership and support that have shaped Kettle Fest over the years.
Eddie shared, “Kettlefest was a perfect opportunity for me to visit that region of the state, and it reminded me of how special riding singletrack through a quiet forest is. It’s one of the more remote places to ride, and absolutely gorgeous. Camping and working among friends new and old made it that much better.”
Photos by Mic McLane:
The event also welcomed the return of Bob Bournique and the Cunningham Family from the Kittitas Chapter and first timer Josef Hoffman who was our furthest traveled attendee from the Southwest Chapter.
A special thank you to the Casile Family, who have been pillars of the Kettle Fest community. Their continued involvement and warm hospitality helped make everyone feel welcome, fostering a true sense of camaraderie at Jungle Hill Campground. Their dedication over the years has enriched the tradition and spirit of this gathering.
Kettle Fest 2025 was filled with exciting activities and adventures. Participants enjoyed various rides, from shuttles to Sherman Pass to loops around local favorites like Jungle Hill, Wapaloosie, and Sherman Loop. There were also day adventures to Gibraltar and the Hesse Mountain Bike Skills Park in Republic.
Saturday was a day of giving back, with 16 volunteers supported by Evergreen Backcountry Staff and partners from the area. They worked on several projects on the Sherman Loop Trail, including tread repair caused by root ball damage, fixing and installing drains, and brushing the trail. The day concluded with a wonderful work party followed by an evening cookout back at Jungle Hill Campground. Attendees dined on grilled burgers and hotdogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, watermelon, grapes, and salad.
Volunteers for the event included members from USDA FS, PNTA, and DNR. Their support and collaboration were instrumental in making Kettle Fest 2025 a success.
Kettle Fest 2025 was a fantastic celebration of community, adventure, and the great outdoors. We look forward to many more years of this wonderful tradition.
Photos by Mic McLane:
As we celebrate the close of another memorable Kettle Fest, anticipation is already building for the return of the second annual Larch Fest, happening this October 2nd through 5th. Mark your calendars and register for this vibrant fall gathering promises even more adventure, camaraderie, and golden memories beneath the changing larches.
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Photos by Josef Hoffman:
