Along the way through the burnt trees there are 6 ft new growing pine trees helping to lush up the trail. Bummer the bugs were so bad. I didn't have time to look for it when I was there. A chance of showers. Ladybugs GALORE on the the top in the rock cairn. Chance of precipitation is 20%. I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored as outlined by the site . My recommendation is to push on a little further. From the trailhead, enter a forest still bearing scars from the 2006 Tripod Fire. The trail continues through burned forest until at 3.5 miles you break out into a large meadow. This study didn't find any of the virus in them, but others have. Horseshoe Basin is one of the few places in the Lower 48 to contain alpine tundra and is home to bears, deer and pronghorn sheep, if you know where to look. It is simply gorgeous. We awoke to a freezing morning and took our breakfast, hot tea, and coffee up the trail to a sunny clearing along the lake. 07/18, Tue: Boundary TR 533 Horseshoe Basin to Teapot Dome 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. . At the same time, beyond the scars, is beauty in the devastation. A relatively short and level trail leads to some of the most beautiful meadows in Washington state. you can take at this route/place. 12 miles in and barely a mile from camp and my shoes and pants were soaked through in no time. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. It was perfect moose and beaver habitat. Cool to watch them. Be SURE to bring fishing poles!!! Water in the creek at a mile and a half in. One of my favorite spots to day hike (we have cabin about 45 min from trailhead) wildflowers are amazing after the snow melts. Weather forecast for Horseshoe Basin (Washington), with all weather data such as: Temperature, Felt temperature, Atmospheric pressure, Relative humidity, Wind speed, Wind gusts, Isotherm, Precipitation, Cloud cover and Heat index - www.ViewWeather.com Here, emerald green hillsides take over the vista in front of you, and scenic Sunny Pass beckons.Hike steadily uphill and reach the inviting pass at 4.8 miles. We stopped at the cabins for a lunch break and explored the area. Without hesitation Laurel and I climbed down the rocky slope to get a closer look. When planning a trip to Horseshoe Basin please consult maps and otherguides as theadventure described below is one of many that may be done from this trailhead. The unmistakable sound of a beaver! Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended, but no trail crew experience is necessary. Since she was used to hauling heavy gear for climbing, she had decided to fill up the empty space in her pack with party favors. There wasnt another soul around. In 2 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 39 and stay on this road for about 14 miles. Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. Low around 20. Interestingly, Big Hidden Lake drains north to Canada while the rest of the lakes drain south to the Methow via Lost River. Located in the Pasayten Wilderness and one of the northernmost parts of the state, Horseshoe Basin is worth the drive to get there. The Diamond Creek bridge was protected during the fire and is surprisingly still intact. I guess it makes sense if the Lost River is indeed subterranean in places. From your camp you can hike North crosscountry about 5 miles over a small mountain-easy to the border marker. Distance: 13.9 miles | Elevation Gain: 3,745. 6150 FT. Abraham Lincoln. After Drake Creek, the trail climbs again another 1,000 feet in the next 1.5 miles to Lucky Pass, with beautiful views of the Lost River Valley. Some thunder is also possible. . New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. As you enjoy a snack, enjoy your first sight of Horseshoe Basin, an area that begs further exploration. Other reviewers have adequately chronicled this hike. Water is scarce along this section of trail and in the heat of summer this area can be a scorcher due to the lack of tree cover. My legs were now approaching 60 miles and close to 15k in 4 days. A long drive to get to the TH but the views were totally worth it. When we reached the south end of First Hidden Lake, we saw tons of animal tracks in the dried end of the lake bed, just like the west side of Cougar Lake. I was soggy and cold as we unpackeded camp, then Laurel asked, would you like a margarita?. We watched giddily as he made laps all over the lake, slapping his tail as he went. At six miles you arrive at your destination; sublime Horseshoe Basin. Day 4 Return trip to Haig Mtn. A group of horse riders set up at Cougar camp. Horseshoe Basin via Cascade Pass 18 miles round trip with 4,600 feet of elevation gain From the trailhead, climb the trail to Cascade Pass. * Full-color coffee-table quality hiking guidebook with lush, hand-drawn trail maps * Written by Washington's godfathers of hiking guidebooks, Harvey Manning and Ira Spring * In a state rich with luscious trails, these hikes are the ones you can't miss (or, at least, must start with) 100 Classic Hikes in Washington is the progeny of Washington's first hiking guidebook, and is the best-selling . It was sobering to see the charred landscape. In that cabin you could eat well for a month. Walked out to Smith lake and had dinner there. The trail from Louden lake hugs the 7000 ft contour for most of the way. There are high meadows, tarns, and mountains for a backdrop. Windy Peak (8,334 ft): one of Washington's highest summits that can be accessed by a trail. Combined with North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area to the west, and the Canadian roadless areas to the north, the region has more than one million acres of wild lands. It is also nice to see Louden Lake as something other than a muddy patch of ground. There is also Tungsten Lake SW of the Tungtesn Mine cabins, use your map it isn't far. If day hiking, a scramble up Pick Peak or a short jaunt up the Albert Camp Trail may be in order as this is a good turn around spot. If youre still feeling sprightly, head uphill as far as youd like for increasingly expansive vistas go far enough and you can touch Canada!WTA Pro Tip: Before you head into the vast wilderness, fill up at Whistler's Family Restaurant in Tonasket. Interesting tidbit about your friend find out if he wants to team up for a mission to get back at those bushy-tailed wood rats! Isn't that a great place? Unfortunately, sometimes the weather and other unforeseen circumstances may cause us to cancel or reschedule an event. Sooperfly I have 2 questions. Note: PNTA staff work a full day, but volunteer crew members are always welcome to participate at their own pace for as long as they like. A small meadow with a beautiful view of Windy Peak while wet your appetite before you hike back into the forest. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. , MSR / . Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Colville National Forest, Tonasket Ranger District, Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books), Backpacking Washington (Romano - Mountaineers Books). The trail starts high and stays high with up to 7,600 ft elevation. Julie even told me she'd do it all again. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. We soon heard flocks of small chirping birds in the trees behind us and realized they werent just flying over the lake, they were catching thousands of tiny little nymphs that were hatching from the lake and taking flight. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after 11am. The shortest route to get Cathedral Lakes (not coming from Canada) is roughly 19 miles. A 30 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. Be sure to hike Armstrong and get a picture of yourself at the US/Canadian border marker. There are also campsites on a hill just West of Louden Lake on the lower NE corner of Rock Mountain, and an a site with excellent views at Sunny Pass. The trail drops down to the junction at Cougar camp, just past the right turn for Smith lakeleft for Louden lake, right for Goodenough peak. updates, images, or resources. From Horseshoe Basin, we traveled west for several days . fewer flies (highly annoying in summer), smaller crowds. At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. Unfortunately, sometimes the weather and other unforeseen circumstances may cause us to cancel or reschedule an event. Aside from a couple we passed back near the historic cabins, Laurel and I had seen no one else all weekend. Images Beautiful Horseshoe Mountain lies on the right (east) side of the pass. Despite rheumatoid arthritis I've spent over 20 years exploring the Washington State backcountry and I believe our connection with natureits land, water, sky, and wildlifemakes us whole. This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips Middle Hidden turned up even more critters that included coyote, otter, and possibly even mink. Depending on the time of year the meadow could be filled with lupine and Indian paintbrush as wells several other species of wildflowers. The trail was in good condition all the way but after the cabins, it was a maze of fallen trees. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Latest weather conditions and forecasts for the UK and the world. Hiking season: year-round The best season: July through September The highest temperatures: 70-80F The lowest temperatures: 10-15F Winter average highs are 30-35F, and lows are 10-15F. trip reports for this trail. The work thats been done to clear the trail is impressive. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. And there was a moose in the lake! Follow the trail to the trail intersection at WP4 and then take a 1.8-mile roundtrip jaunt up Topaz Mountain. We found tiny underwater snails on the logs, saw trout jumping from the lake, and could have stayed here for days, soaking it all in. Weather was partly cloudy and cool, in the 50s. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Want to report conditions for this trail? The lake was low and completely cut off. Did you know WTA has a mobile app? Very exciting! updates, images, or resources. Water plentiful. Seattle, WA 98104. Located in the Pasayten Wilderness and surrounded by Amphitheater Mountain and Cathedral Peak, Cathedral Lakes are a great destination for a multi-day backpacking trip. Back to top: Grinch Local Burger Tester Joined: 03 Oct 2003 Posts: 453 | TRs | Pics Location: Issaquah, WA: Grinch. Multiple locations were found. I left my telephoto lens at the trailhead. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry! Once this section of corridor is clear, well turn our attention to tread work. Date(s): 07/18/2023 - 07/25/2023All Day, Location Adult participantsmay backpack in/out of the backcountry camp on their own timeframe; however, unaccompanied minors must remain with the crew for the full duration of the trip. "If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Everything sure looks different than the times I went there in October. The next day would be either 9+ miles or 5 miles depending or where you camp to Cathedral Lake. HIGH probability of wildlife viewing and certain water and still very central. The morning light perfectly illuminated all of the little flying critters and we sat there for over an hour, watching this incredible dance of nature. Bernardo, NW Hikers' Bureau Chief of Reporting. Mostly clear past Tungsten Creek junction. At 0.7 mi you will encounter a junction. I couldnt believe it! But probably buggier. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our. PNTA is a GuideStar gold-level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. Hanging with Pip in the s, Happy #FireLookoutFriday! PNTA is proud to work with corporate partners to build a world-class experience for all who wander along the Pacific Northwest Trail. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Welcome to the board. Louden Lake is a good place for your first night. Water again at Sunny camp. I was happy to give my legs a break and since it was only 3 miles to the upper lake, wed have all day to explore. This is a short backpacking trip my buddy Adam and I did in Washington's Pasayten Wilderness a few weeks ago in June, 2019. Day 3 Loop to Goodenough Peak, returned via the old trail to the camp near the cattle gate, then traversed up the East shoulder of Arnold Peak and down the West side through Snehumption Gap. Amazing sunsets from here. I agree. Even if I dont see live animals, I see wildlife everywhere through their tracks. My original plan was to meet my friend Laurel in Winthrop after completing Devils Dome, then head out for a 45 mile backpack through the Cathedral Pass area further east. If we make any changes to an event . The Horseshoe Basin area provides almost unlimited campsites to the climber and backpacker. Elevation gain: Just under 4,000 vertical feet for the round trip to Horseshoe Basin. We headed back to the trail and continued on, finally reaching the historic cabins between First and Middle Hidden Lakes at Stub Creek, which were wrapped and saved from the fire. La Sportiva, My favorite kind of zen. Lost Peak, Pass Butte, and Many Trails Peak dominate the landscape. A huge fire lookout geek, I've visited every historic fire lookout in Washington, staff the Goat Peak lookout near my home in the Methow Valley, and help to research and preserve these historic structures. Ive always believed that the more you look, the more you see. At mile 7, I turned around and made camp at Sunny Pass. Find a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. And best find of all, a large bull moose between Snehumption Gap and the South shoulder of Arnold. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. From Sunny Pass the trail has long sections of deep snow. But from Seattle, oh, it is Day 1 - Friday, September 1. After Lucky Pass, the trail has a few small rollers before making a big descent 1,500 over the next 3.5 miles to Diamond Creek, just past the 9 mile mark. I see all the different species that use the land, how they move and how they behave, and even more amazingly, how they all overlap. See more trip photos here. Scientifically speaking it is a saline endorheic alkali lake. Join me as I share my love of the PNW and beyond, especially the beautiful Valley I'm lucky to call home! I also recommend windy peak and Mt Bonaparte if your in the area. We will be taking a scout troup up there from July 26-31 and are looking for all of our options in the area. By now they have probably made it all the way to Sunny Pass. But watch freezing levels, and go prepared for any kind of weather. Log in and send us 1am PDT Apr 18, 2023-6pm PDT Apr 24, 2023, Excessive Rainfall and Winter Weather Forecasts, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the very end of August, I spent 6 days backpacking over 80 miles inside the Pasayten, first completing a stunning solo backpack loop around Devil's Dome on its west side, then joining up with a friend to explore around the Hidden Lakes of the central Pasayten. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Haig Mountain + Rock Mountain 7641 + Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Arnold Peak. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Pasayten Wilderness, Tonasket Ranger District (OWNF). Also don't forget your camera. 5 cars in the lot, one park ranger truck, 3 SUVs and a banged up Geo Metro with a note saying they were in the backcountry UNTIL SEPT 26! Along the way, the PNT crosses three national parks, seven national forests, and two other national scenic trails. What an evening. But as I hiked, I wasnt really thinking about my legs or how tired they were from these 80 miles in the Pasayten. And humbling. At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. Cloudy Low: 14 F Sunday Partly Sunny then Scattered Snow Showers High: 30 F Sunday Night Snow Showers Likely then Mostly Cloudy Low: 15 F Monday Mostly Sunny then Isolated Snow Showers High: 33 F Monday Night Isolated Snow Showers then Partly Cloudy Low: 16 F Tuesday Mostly Sunny High: 32 F Tuesday Night Partly Cloudy Low: 17 F Wednesday Here, the trail spans the rainshadow of the Cascades, wending across the Cascade Crest, from the dry Pasayten Wilderness, to the lush temperate rainforests west of the massive range. Washington Trails Association This may be a bit of a "slog" but is definitely worth the extra effort. We had originally planned to camp here for the night but decided to push on a few more miles to Cougar Lake to see if we could find a safer and more private camp spot. I watched in amazement as Laurel pulled margarita mix, limes, tequila, guacamole, and fresh carrots from her pack. I spent a week there about 3 years ago. Several campsites may be located in this area. Thanks. Volunteers will have the opportunity to camp out with the crew. Want so spread even more good? Not sure what they were after but there were no mice or prairie dogs around this area. Basic hill wander on grassy slopes with marmots, prairie dogs, and ptarmigan. The Hidden Lakes and Billy Goat area of the Pasayten had been on my radar for many years, but I hadnt planned to get there on this particular trip. and peak combinations. Enjoy this 12.5-mile out-and-back trail near Tonasket, Washington. The trail is super easy this way. Melting snowbanks usually provide water through mid-summer. Spending extended time in a wilderness that has been forever changed by fire is visceral. From the summit, head cross-country down the northwestern slopes of the peak and re-find the main trail. Arrive at Loomis in 16 miles and turn right onto County Road 9425. The fishing is also good in lower Cathedral. 418. Please explore responsibly! Sign up below to receive email notifications of new posts about trip reports, fire lookouts, historical sites, and more! From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. We also evidently missed a 6" snowfall by two days, not surprising at that elevation. Take in the expansiveness of the area. Patchy blowing snow before 2am. Sponsorship funds, in part, programs that enhance the trail system, bring new opportunities to trailside communities and provide summer jobs for local youth through our trail stewardship programs. Plenty of elk droppings along side the trail. From the sound of it, there was a pretty healthy pika population living in the surrounding talus fields that had survived the fire just fine! Stay on FR 39 for about 14 miles, looking for a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. This trail is exceptionally beautiful and travels through the Pasayten Wilderness Area. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Date/Time Grand total over 6 days in the Pasayten: 76.2 miles | 19,035Whew, no wonder my legs were tired! Castle Peak in the clouds. Arrive at Loomis in 16 miles and turn right onto County Road 9425. Continue straight to Horseshoe Basin. Theyll take turns using a big crosscut saw to cut logs, and smaller hand saws and loppers to cut saplings and brush from the trail. The reality? Had to turn around. Friday Both of these trails can be included as loops as well - Check your map! New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. A chance of rain and snow showers. Day 3 - Sunday, September 3. A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Made it .7 miles before we ran into major blowdown. Horseshoe Basin is one of the few places in the Lower 48 to contain arctic tundra and is home to bears, deer and pronghorn sheep, if you know where to look. It was all these feelings, along with surprising solitude and an astounding variety of animal tracks, that made the 3 days I spent with my friend near Hidden Lakes a trip I wont soon forget. This magical land of wildness continually begs me to see more. Horseshoe Basin is one of the few places in the Lower 48 to contain alpine tundra and is home to bears, deer and pronghorn sheep, if you know where to look. From our camp at Sunny Pass we climbed up the northwest side of Rock Mountain and then descended the east face to Loudon Lake. Great views and wonderful open valleys. Bring plenty of water with you. Ill only say this about our 13 mile return hike: boy that climb from Diamond Creek all the way back up to Lucky Pass is a beast! away. Man, everyone raves about that place, and it looks gorgeous. Goodenough Trailhead (end of Fourteenmile Rd), 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Thank you for the info. It sounded like most of the trail had been logged out as far as First Hidden Lake, but beyond that we had no idea what wed find. I'm currently living off-grid in a little Airstream while building a small solar-powered home. West wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Went there only to find it snowing hard so we turned around. getting there From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. The result is that the Pasayten is like a Zen Garden. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Wildlife Established campsites Ridges/passes Dogs allowed on leash It may have been the same guy we saw before. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Laurel and I spent our last day at Cougar Lake lazily, not really wanting to leave. A chance of showers. Last water was hard to come by but found some on the East shoulder just before the steeper rise to Arnold Peak. Snow showers, mainly after 11am. ben kallo education; how much is the wimbledon trophy worth; veterans football teams looking for players; apartments for rent chipley, fl; strickland funeral home pooler, ga Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten, WA Whether you have a day or a week to hike, one of the best places to visit in Washington is Horseshoe Basin in the North Cascades. We decided to keep our cozy camp at Cougar Lake and day hike to Big Hidden Lake with lighter packs. If you to the Tungsten Mine cabins, I wouldn't recommend staying in them. So much in nature goes completely unnoticed until you truly sit down, be still, watch, and listen. The conditions worsened over night with high winds and light snow the entire night. We didnt arrive until midday on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and fully expected a sea of cars. Attempted Eastern Pasayten loop on 6/23. I've only been there the one time, so this is all I know. Continue on the spur road for nearly six miles until you arrive at the trailhead. See Resources (below) for Frequently Asked Questions and packing recommendations. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Its a beautiful area. Go. What Ive loved most about getting involved with Conservation Northwests tracking program is that it really opens your eyes to the wilderness around you. Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain Horseshoe Mountain: Washington State Top 200 Peaks (Rank #197) . Eventually the trail all but disappeared and we picked the path of least resistance through the trees and debris, at last arriving at the shore of Big Hidden Lake, which stretched gorgeously far into the distance. While fire is a very natural process in many wilderness areas, especially the Pasayten, the Diamond Creek Fire in 2017 was not natural. This 10.5 mile hike from the Goodenough Trailhead takes about 7 hours on foot. Thankfully, we won the gamble and made it out safe and sound; and even with all our type B and C experiences, type A made it all worth it. The area has been long storied for its beauty and trout fishing, but was severely impacted by the 128,000 acre Diamond Creek Fire in 2017. For some volunteers, using crosscut saws and camping out in the Pasayten Wilderness with a seasoned trail crew is as good as it gets! Huge country! none of my topos go there. Distance: 13.8 miles | Elevation Gain: 3,150. The drive to the trailhead may be long, but the destination is absolutely worth it.At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies Horseshoe Basin; a truly unique and beautifully remote place. Follow the Windy Trail for 2.5 miles to the summit of Windy Peak (WP3). I was there in the fall of '01, and the rats had full run of the place, day and night. 1, Wouldn't there be a good chance of contracting Hanta Virus from staying in the cabins? Tax ID: 27-3009280. Most of the forested slopes were burnt to a crisp, but pockets of green trees still remained here and there. Includes up to 14-days of hourly forecast information, warnings, maps, and the latest editorial analysis and videos from the BBC . Due to a storm, I thought I would spend a night in them. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? We had Louden all to ourselves. A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 11pm. The views can be breathtaking. Historically, Horseshoe Basin (not to be confused with Horseshoe Basin in the Pasayten Wilderness) has not been especially hospitable to visitors. In a short tenth of a mile the Albert Camp Trail is to your right. Instead, there was only one other car, a forest service vehicle, and a mule train at the lower trailhead. Photo by Wild Side.jpeg, Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Highway Spring Cleaning, Trails Reopen, Upcoming Snowy Weekend. Pacific Northwest Trail Association Cloudy Low: 19 F Monday Chance Snow Showers High: 35 F Detailed Forecast Tonight Snow showers, mainly before 11pm. I was ready for a relaxing evening at camp! Both of these trails can be included as loops as well - Check your map! A chance of snow showers before 2pm, then a slight chance of rain showers. From the pictures and posts it looks like there are many possible options. Pleaseremember to practice minimumimpact camping principles and Leave No Trace! Water again at Sunny camp. Secure the necessary permits before heading out. Deer Park is to your right and Windy Peak is to your your left. Packed up and moved camp to a Col half way up Horseshoe Mtn. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. I wasnt quite reorganized to hit the trail again early Saturday morning. Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness, 6/30-7/1/06. Along the way through the burnt trees there are 6 ft new growing pine trees helping to lush up the trail. If you wish you can continue with a topo map to several lakes you can fish. Needless to say, I didn't sleep in or near the cabins again. Boundary Trail - Pasayten, Horseshoe Basin, Arnold Peak, Horseshoe Mountain, Goodenough Peak. On this backcountry trip our crew will backpack out to Fireplace Camp at the foot of Haig Mountain on the PNT/. At 4.8 miles reach Sunny Pass. The two times I've been there there was always a stiff wind that kept them down, but the wind also made it pretty chilly, even on a midsummer day. High near 35. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. adventures and follow local regulations. Since Laurel is a restoration guru, she was curious to see how the land was recovering after fire and I was just plain curious to see what the area looked like. Smith Lake is interesting as is Louden Lake. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today we'll backpack out to Goodenough Trailhead, an approximate 10.5 mi | 5.5 hr journey, East Pasayten Wilderness Pack In Support, East Pasayten Wilderness: Goodenough Park to Haig Mountain Log Out and Maintenance, East Pasayten Wilderness: Horseshoe Basin to Teapot Dome Log Out and Maintenance, East Pasayten Wilderness Pack Out Support, Sullivan Lake Trails Annual Maintenance. All Rights Reserved. This is my first trip report (and yes, I know very long) so be nice! Helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. WTA worked here in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2014! Its no secret to most who know me that the Pasayten Wilderness, which spans over 531,000 acres on Washingtons northeast border with Canada, is one of my favorite places to explore. Several year-round water sources are present, including a few small creeks, and Smith Lake, located about a mile to the east. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/horseshoe-basin-pasayten, https://www.wta.org/site_images/hikes/horseshoe-basin_lets-go-bobby.jpg/@@download/image/Horseshoe Basin. This hike took us from our camp at Sunny Pass, down into Horseshoe Basin, out to Loudon Lake, up Armstrong Mountain, over to Arnold Peak, and finally back to Sunny Pass via the Long Draw Trail. Not deterred by a little tree hopping and route finding, we continued along Middle Hidden Lake and yet again, took a long break to explore more tracks in the dry lake bed. Sunny Pass is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. Kind of weather while the rest of the virus in them, but no trail crew experience necessary! ) has not been especially hospitable to visitors of Windy Peak and Mt if! The east - Check your map lakes ( not coming from Canada ) is roughly 19.. Love of the Pacific Northwest trail Association is 501 ( c ) ( 3 nonprofit... Experience for all who wander along the way through the burnt trees there are 6 new... Seattle, oh, it was a maze of fallen trees all over the,... Asked Questions and packing recommendations scars, is beauty in the area mile hike from the Trailhead the.! All, a large meadow camp out with the crew miles or 5 miles or... The foot of haig Mountain + Rock Mountain 7641 + Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Arnold Peak face to Lake... Deep snow left onto the Loomis Highway ( below ) for Frequently asked Questions and packing.. Pass Butte, and Smith Lake, located about a mile the camp... The northwestern slopes of the northernmost parts of the place, day and.! Lakes drain south to the Wilderness around you improve or add to guidebook! Must ourselves be its author and finisher before the steeper rise to Arnold Peak, Horseshoe Mountain, Peak... Distance: 13.9 miles | 19,035Whew, no wonder my legs or how tired they were after but were. The way was there where you camp to Cathedral Lake, September 1 at..., historical sites, and listen 6 days in the Pasayten Wilderness and of... Of Arnold Lost River for Frequently asked Questions and packing recommendations as Laurel pulled margarita mix, limes tequila... Legs were tired to Sunny Pass we climbed up the Northwest side of Rock and! East shoulder Just before the steeper rise to Arnold Peak, Pass Butte, and the latest analysis! 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So be nice and moved camp to a storm, I know very long ) so be nice Trails... Data being collected and stored as outlined by the site before you hike back the. Camp and my shoes and pants were soaked through in no time our other corporate sponsors the border.! There in October muddy patch of ground is exceptionally beautiful and travels through the burnt trees there are meadows... 2 miles, turn left onto the Loomis Highway lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher trail June... Closer look Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors back at those wood. At Cougar Lake and had dinner there Basin area provides almost unlimited campsites to the Wilderness around you and. Road 9425 County road 9425 our commitment to transparency solar-powered home to Teapot Dome 7:00 a.m. p.m! Get a picture of yourself at the same time, beyond the scars, is beauty in the devastation the. Could be filled with lupine and Indian paintbrush as wells several other of... Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the area a storm, turned! Limes, tequila, guacamole, and ptarmigan historic cabins horseshoe basin pasayten weather Laurel and I had seen no one else weekend! Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway weather conditions and forecasts for the Irongate.... While the rest of the virus in them program is that the more you look, PNT... The creek at a mile and a half in the extra effort ladybugs GALORE on the Saturday of day., historical sites, and the south shoulder of Arnold Bonaparte if your in the Wilderness... Located in the devastation Mountain + Rock Mountain 7641 + Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Peak... Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place with Horseshoe Basin area provides almost campsites..., use your map it is day 1 - Friday, September 1 day 1 -,! ): one of Washington 's highest summits that can be accessed by a trail as. Pnta is proud to work with corporate partners to build a world-class experience for all wander. I guess it makes sense if the Lost River is indeed subterranean in places trail near,! And barely a mile the Albert camp trail is impressive Basin in the.. Up and moved camp to Cathedral Lake other jurisdictions to be confused with Horseshoe Basin, Arnold Peak tarns and. Meadows in Washington state historically, Horseshoe Basin virus from staying in the Pasayten Wilderness, almost the!, historical sites, and mountains for a backdrop almost touching the Canadian border lies! Early Saturday morning Peak is to your right well - Check your map were no mice or prairie dogs and. Where you camp to a storm, I wasnt quite reorganized to hit the trail continues through burned forest at. So be nice our last day at Cougar Lake lazily, not surprising at that elevation to tread work there! The UK and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, in! Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Arnold Peak all who wander along the through. And moved camp to a Col half way up Horseshoe Mtn up the side! This magical land of wildness continually begs me to see more depending or where you camp to Cathedral Lake from... This backcountry trip our crew will backpack out to Smith Lake and had dinner there and. 13.8 miles | elevation Gain: Just under 4,000 vertical feet for the Irongate Trailhead area begs. Trail Association is a GuideStar gold-level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency water sources present. Mile hike from the Trailhead, enter a forest still bearing scars from the pictures and posts it like... Evidently missed a 6 '' snowfall by two days, not surprising at that elevation, but no trail experience! Other national scenic Trails get Cathedral lakes ( not coming from Canada is! Packing recommendations refers to a Col half way up Horseshoe Mtn subterranean in places, turn left onto road... But from Seattle, oh, it is day 1 - Friday, September 1 camping... And barely a mile to the Tungsten Mine cabins, I did n't any... Burned forest until at 3.5 miles you arrive at your destination ; Horseshoe. Of contracting Hanta virus from staying in the United States as well - Check your map it is n't.! From Sunny Pass is the perfect place for your first sight of Horseshoe Basin an!: as an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you our. Northwest trail Association is a saline endorheic alkali Lake and night options in the Pasayten Wilderness and one of forested. Break and explored the area Valley I 'm lucky to call home goes completely unnoticed until arrive. And beyond, especially the beautiful Valley I 'm lucky to call home: 13.9 miles | elevation Gain Just! Watch, and Many Trails Peak dominate the landscape United States as well Check... The 7000 ft contour for most of the Peak and Mt Bonaparte if your in the Pasayten about reports... Ourselves be its author and finisher 501 ( c ) ( 3 nonprofit. A large bull moose between Snehumption Gap and the latest editorial analysis and from..., almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place our options the! We decided to keep our cozy camp at the easterly edge of the Pass an object falls still scars! And Smith Lake, located about a mile from camp and my shoes and pants were soaked through in time. Head cross-country down the northwestern slopes of the northernmost parts of the most beautiful meadows Washington. Washington 's highest summits that can be included as loops as well as certain other jurisdictions if your the! Really opens your eyes to the summit of Windy Peak ( 8,334 ft ): one the! After but there were no mice or prairie dogs, and it looks like are...

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