Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Smith Lake is interesting as is Louden Lake. Mostly clear past Tungsten Creek junction. We decided to keep our cozy camp at Cougar Lake and day hike to Big Hidden Lake with lighter packs. This is a short mile side trip and also a nice camp site. Most of us are so consumed with getting from point A to point B and marveling at the big grand vistas when were outside that we miss all of these tiny, magical moments that truly make nature a gift. We sat down, enjoying the amazing solitude, the huge views stretched out before us, and the unbelievable blue sky. From Sunny Pass the trail has long sections of deep snow. We went about half way up Haig and saw a pack of coyotes yipping up a storm. From the pictures and posts it looks like there are many possible options. Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended, but no trail crew experience is necessary. Both of these trails can be included as loops as well - Check your map! The views can be breathtaking. I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored as outlined by the site . Panorama of the Pasayten from Horseshoe Basin in the east. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 23 min to complete. Temperatures were cool, I wore long undies and thermals, touque etc in my 3 season bag but it was more comfortable to grunt up the peaks than if it had been hot. DAY ONE: 5-ish miles to a wide enough spot in the trail to place a tent. You walk through forests with hints of aspen trees and wildflowers, after that it changes to walking through a very rocky and bouldery terrain and a burn area, and then you get up to the alpine looking terrain. 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. Laurel and I spent our last day at Cougar Lake lazily, not really wanting to leave. Our favorite park in Canada, Cathedral Lakes, is just across the border https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2019-08-21.7241644122, https://www.wta.org/site_images/trip-reports/2019/tripreport.image.2019-08-21.7293004937/@@download/image/IMG_6109.JPG. Far up the Lost River Valley of the Pasayten, only 10 miles south of the Canadian border, lie a chain of four gorgeous lakes: Cougar Lake, First Hidden Lake, Middle Hidden Lake, and Big Hidden Lake. Elevation gain: Just under 4,000 vertical feet for the round trip to Horseshoe Basin. Lead Dog, I am not sure about contracting the virus, but there does seem to be some concern about the bushy tailed wood rat. High near 35. I wasnt quite reorganized to hit the trail again early Saturday morning. Pleaseremember to practice minimumimpact camping principles and Leave No Trace! The Horseshoe Basin area provides almost unlimited campsites to the climber and backpacker. Note: If youvealready booked a spot on this trip and youd like to book additional spots for other members ofyour group, or view the booking options again, then log out of your pnt.org account (if applicable) and reload this page. West wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. 12 miles in and barely a mile from camp and my shoes and pants were soaked through in no time. Once this section of corridor is clear, well turn our attention to tread work. Made it .7 miles before we ran into major blowdown. A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 11am, then a slight chance of rain showers. 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. I recommend starting at the Chewuch Trailhead, which is accessed by Remmel Mountain (8685 ft), the former site of a fire lookout, is a massive pile of granite and a wonderful destination for panoramic views of the rugged Pasayten Wilderness. At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. Arrive at Loomis in 16 miles and turn right onto County Road 9425. The cabins are full of rodents however. Several swampy low areas exist in this area and the bugs can be ferocious. The green grass changes the whole feel of the place compared to the toasty brown of late fall. 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. . 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. Isn't that a great place? Once this section of corridor is clear, well turn our attention to tread work. This includes side trips, extensions We didnt arrive until midday on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and fully expected a sea of cars. Didn't get any sleep the first night and my socks were gone in the morning. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Day 3 - Sunday, September 3. Plenty of elk droppings along side the trail. Spending extended time in a wilderness that has been forever changed by fire is visceral. Weather was partly cloudy and cool, in the 50s. Consistent snow from Remmel Lake north, up to four feet; we often postholed up to our thighs in the deep areas. Continue straight to Horseshoe Basin. Bright purple fireweed stands starkly against dark blackened trees. In a short tenth of a mile the Albert Camp Trail is to your right. PNTA is a GuideStar gold-level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. The work thats been done to clear the trail is impressive. Great views and wonderful open valleys. Water plentiful. Melting snowbanks usually provide water through mid-summer. The result is that the Pasayten is like a Zen Garden. See more trip photos here. Wandering this country gives you a glimpse of what frontier life might have been like. Having been to Horseshoe Basin/Pasayten twice, I think the best campsites are on the lower SW slopes of Armstrong Mountain and South of Snehumption Gap. so. 209 Ferry Street, Suite A Watched the harrier hawks and smaller falcons coasting the meadows for snacks. 1, Wouldn't there be a good chance of contracting Hanta Virus from staying in the cabins? Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. 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. Approach to Tungsten Mine. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. I choose to purchase my gear from companies who do good in the world. 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. Boundary Trail - Pasayten, Horseshoe Basin, Arnold Peak, Horseshoe Mountain, Goodenough Peak. Huh? I responded, convinced my ears were playing tricks on me. This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips adventures and follow local regulations. Plenty of elk droppings along side the trail. "If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. If you had walked another 15 minutes you would have come to a flatter area with nicer campsites. If life gives you melons - you might be dyslexic. 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. Pasayten Wilderness, Tonasket Ranger District (OWNF). away. Patagonia Provisions / From your camp you can hike North crosscountry about 5 miles over a small mountain-easy to the border marker. If you wish you can continue with a topo map to several lakes you can fish. A great backpacking destination with several options for exploring. 07/18, Tue: Boundary TR 533 Horseshoe Basin to Teapot Dome 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. . 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 The trail continues through burned forest until at 3.5 miles you break out into a large meadow. Continue on the spur road for nearly six miles until you arrive at the trailhead. Washington Trails Association Continue reading, 132 The next junction to the right, the Long Draw Trail, heads to Arnold and Goodenough Peaks. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. It is simply gorgeous. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. If I go back I'd like to see the tunnels if they are still open. Interestingly, Big Hidden Lake drains north to Canada while the rest of the lakes drain south to the Methow via Lost River. This 7 day trip was exactly what we had hoped for. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches have been issued. We watched giddily as he made laps all over the lake, slapping his tail as he went. Both of these trails can be included as loops as well - Check your map! A chance of rain and snow showers. The shortest route to get Cathedral Lakes (not coming from Canada) is roughly 19 miles. (7), Climber's Log Entries far. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Allow plenty of time to explore Horseshoe Basin by camping at the trailhead, where primitive camping without a water source is available. As you enjoy a snack, enjoy your first sight of Horseshoe Basin, an area that begs further exploration. Several campsites may be located in this area. What Ive loved most about getting involved with Conservation Northwests tracking program is that it really opens your eyes to the wilderness around you. 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. Elevation gain: 1200 ft to Horseshoe Basin Trail-head elevation: 6100ft My dad and I left At 7.1 miles from the trailhead come to Loudon Lake. There were still small batches in the shady spots. The green forest soon yields to the charred remains of the 2006 Tripod fire. I highly recommend this area for a relatively easy backpack trip with the options of exploring for many days. The reality? 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. Summer average highs are 70-80F, and lows are 35-45F. When it was finally time to return to camp, we reluctantly gathered our gear, not really wanting to leave this magical place. From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. Beginning at the Irongate Trailhead west of Loomis, hikers will head west, covering some of the most spectacular features of the wilderness area until eventually turning into the Castle Pass Trail, and descending out of the Pasayten Wilderness. Roundtrip distance to Horseshoe Basin is 20 miles. I appreciate the input on the area. Theres a small camping area right off the trail with easy access to water, but its surrounded by a lot of soot and burned, unstable trees. Take in the expansiveness of the area. We found ourselves drawn to the Billy Goat and Hidden Lakes area of the Pasayten. Packpup and I have also encountered a good little snowstorm 7/2/99 and occasional snow during our trip 7/1/00 7/3/00. The lake was low and completely cut off. We will be taking a scout troup up there from July 26-31 and are looking for all of our options in the area. Grand total over 6 days in the Pasayten: 76.2 miles | 19,035Whew, no wonder my legs were tired! 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. There was no sign of any of the intersecting trails leading up Stub Creek or to Tatoosh Buttes. At 1.5 miles cross a tributary of Clutch Creek, the only consistent water source until Horseshoe Basin. But never a more worthy effort, Foist. Trail: Boundary Trail (533) to Horseshoe Basin and beyond Area: Pasayten Wilderness, Okanogan NF, Loomis Access: Loomis, FS 39 (Toats Coulee Road) to FS (3900)500 to Iron Gate "Campground" Length: Up to 94 Miles, 7.2 mls to Louden Lake, 12 miles to Haig Mtn. Right along the trail were two enormous horse camps with safe unburned trees and lots of rocks and logs for lounging. Fire has opened up sweeping vistas previously hidden by forest and painted the landscape in a spectacular palette of deep earthy reds, oranges, and browns. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. La Sportiva, My favorite kind of zen. Please explore responsibly! 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 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. Lead Dog has steered you right! On this backcountry trip our crew will backpack out to Fireplace Camp at the foot of Haig Mountain on the PNT/ Boundary TR 533. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. There are no resources for this route/place. Easy trail the whole way, all meadows and open forest, very uncrowded after Horseshoe Basin. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. To see any green in this badly burned landscape was refreshing and we couldnt help but admire it. Due to a storm, I thought I would spend a night in them. It was perfect moose and beaver habitat. This is your last chance to refill water bottles, so take the time to do so here. The Pasayten Wilderness is a 531,539 acres (215,106 ha) protected area located within Okanogan National Forest and Mount Baker National Forest in Washington state, centered on the Three Forks (485402N 1203801W) of the Pasayten River, a tributary of the Similkameen River. Weather was partly cloudy and cool, in the 50s. We did not get to Windy Peak, but those we talked to who came from there said it was great. Learn more. From Cascade Pass, head southeast descending into the Pelton Basin, and crossing Doubtful Creek after a series of downhill switchbacks. "Other than that, the post was more or less accurate." 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. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. A 50 percent chance of snow showers. 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. fewer flies (highly annoying in summer), smaller crowds. Stay on FR 39 for about 14 miles, looking for a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Being the wildlife geeks we are, Laurel and I chatted out about what might be down there. As an added bonus a bear came running down to the lake while we were cleaning up from our hike.but he promptly left once he heard our whistle. By now they have probably made it all the way to Sunny Pass. Even if I dont see live animals, I see wildlife everywhere through their tracks. Some thunder is also possible. If you need more info I would be glad to help. The trail from Louden lake hugs the 7000 ft contour for most of the way. Some fire erosion had caused a few narrow spots, which for hikers isnt a problem, but Id certainly be a bit nervous with stock. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain Horseshoe Mountain: Washington State Top 200 Peaks (Rank #197) . Thanks. Snow showers, mainly after 11am. The blow downs open up closer to Sunny Pass. The elevation gain is spread out nicely and never felt too steep. Coming from Vancouver Island this is a 6 hour drive plus the ferry ride. WTA worked here in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2014! 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. My recommendation is to push on a little further. Everything sure looks different than the times I went there in October. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. 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 Enjoy this 12.5-mile out-and-back trail near Tonasket, Washington. Chance of precipitation is 80%. 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. Tax ID: 27-3009280. Log in if you already have an account with us. 436 Emett Smith ranching family at Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness 8-1968 (36209094675).jpg 5,324 3,588; 15.64 MB 570 Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness (36209064235).jpg 5,312 3,600; 12.92 MB Aerial View of Horseshoe Basin-Okanogan Wenatchee (23300790324).jpg 1,600 1,067; 1.59 MB 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. 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. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness/Special Area: Pasayten Wilderness Area: Topo Map: Data Source: This peak was submitted to the Peakbagger.com database by Andy Dewey. Packed up and moved camp to a Col half way up Horseshoe Mtn. Gawking is allowed, even encouraged. Water in the creek at a mile and a half in. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 23 min to complete. Thanks. Castle Peak by Full Moon Rising rises in northwest Pasayten Wilderness. Louden Lake is a good place for your first night. Please try another search. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. We passed 3 sets of people leaving so it was just us, the ranger, and the Geo Metro. Nice views over to Snowy protected area in Canada and of all the surrounding peaks. Hanging with Pip in the s, Happy #FireLookoutFriday! Top . Attempted Eastern Pasayten loop on 6/23. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Most of the forested slopes were burnt to a crisp, but pockets of green trees still remained here and there. Monument 78-83 Trail in Manning Park offers direct access to this remote mountain. Follow the trail to the trail intersection at WP4 and then take a 1.8-mile roundtrip jaunt up Topaz Mountain. And while I was filled with sadness, I was simultaneously awed to see natures astounding resiliency. Walked out to Smith lake and had dinner there. This side spurs do lead to some worthy destinations and could be incorporated into a longer or completely different trip. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. I got caught a bit unprepared by weather on Devils Dome my last night and hiked out hours later than expected with completely soaked gear. On this backcountry trip our crew will backpack out to Fireplace Camp at the foot of Haig Mountain on the PNT/. Haig Mountain + Rock Mountain 7641 + Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Arnold Peak. Every once in a while a nymph would take flight and stay low, making it to the safety of the trees along the shore and we would cheer. Lynard Skynard. The trail starts on an old mining road, but you are immediately surrounded by the wilderness. We were in wildlife geek heaven and could barely contain our excitement. Drive on Forest Service Road #39 for 20 miles to junction of Forest Service Road #39 and Forest Service Road #3900-300. and peak combinations. What is on the Canadian side? Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our. Scientifically speaking it is a saline endorheic alkali lake. The trail is super easy this way. Distance: 7.3 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,270. Every stand of trees, rock outcropping, and flower display has a special feel, like it was all painstakingly handcrafted. The unmarked horse trail made for a nice grade into a smaller basin with wildflowers and saw a pair of bucks just before the burned area. 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. Washington Trails Association 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Id look closer and see plants regrowing and wildlife thriving. If we make any changes to an event after you have registered, we will contact you as soon as possible with new information. East Pasayten Wilderness: Horseshoe Basin to Teapot Dome Log Out and Maintenance - 07/18/2023 . Boundary Trail: significant snow around Cathedral Peak/lakes, and at most shaded areas all the way through Horseshoe Basin. Nice report and great pics. Found water in the bushy streams near the zig zagging Albert Camp trail. Once here, the opportunities to explore are nearly endless. Abraham Lincoln. Beautiful, sunny morning on June 11, 2022 for our day hike to the Basin. Windy Peak (8,334 ft): one of Washington's highest summits that can be accessed by a trail. (45). Pyramid Lake, Ladyslipper and Cathedral Rim Loop, Scout Mountain, Scout Lake and Diamond Trail Loop, Lake of the Woods, Goat Lake Trail and Lakeview Mountain, Lake of the Woods, Pyramid Lake, and Glacier Lake Loop, Haystack Lakes to Haystack Mountain Trail, Andrews Creek Trail 504, Peepsight Trail Loop. 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. Head up 1 mile to a 7700 ft shoulder and then traverse open slopes to the summit of Horseshoe Mountain. Back in September roads were in reasonable shape with only some light washboarding. Nice report! Without hesitation Laurel and I climbed down the rocky slope to get a closer look. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Wildlife Established campsites Ridges/passes Dogs allowed on leash If you really need to go further, by all means, go further. I was soggy and cold as we unpackeded camp, then Laurel asked, would you like a margarita?. From Tonasket, take a left onto the Loomis Highway and drive 16 miles to Loomis. Sunny, clear, and cool. View Armstrong Mountain Image Gallery - 7 Images. And every time I visit the Pasayten it opens all of my senses in a way no other place does. This magical land of wildness continually begs me to see more. I was looking at doing horseshoe basin and Cathedral lakes as well as possible an excursion into Canada and possible some ridge walkes in the area. The MVFFLA has very exci, Spring showers and blooming balsamroot! We stopped at the cabins for a lunch break and explored the area. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Get a good weather report before you go and be prepared for anything. Where : Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness, Washington State (US Trail no.533) When : From Thursday June 24th to Sunday June 27th, 2004 Maps : Green The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a 1200-mile hiking trail running from the Continental Divide in Montana to the Pacific Ocean on Washington 's Olympic Coast. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. I spent a week there about 3 years ago. There is also Tungsten Lake SW of the Tungtesn Mine cabins, use your map it isn't far. Washington's Pasayten Wilderness is a clash of cultures, geologic forces, and land-use ideologies. The Similkameen Trail is a short section of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail(PNT) as it heads west from the the town of Oroville, WA following an old railroad grade in the heart of the Okanagan.From the trailhead in town you'll head west for 1.5 miles before coming to an alternate trail headalong Loomis-Oroville Highway. Low around 20. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Day 2 - Saturday, September 2. Known to some as the "American Alps," a seemingly endless horizon of majestic peaks define this breathtaking landscape. Be SURE to bring fishing poles!!! 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. Passed a couple thru hikers on their way West. North Cascades Visitor Center in Sedro-Woolley, 360 . 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. Happy Frid, Last year I was getting the gravity water system i, Spent a few hours giving my wild thang a proper sp, Staffed Fire Lookouts of Washington State, The Journey to Visit Washingtons Remaining Lookouts, Hok Skiing the Blue Mountains: Clearwater Fire Lookout Cabin, Washington State Fire Lookouts Open for Overnight Stays, Washington State's 93* Historic Fire Lookouts, Boondocking with Bambi: 2 Weeks of Solar-Powered Living. getting there From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. It is also nice to see Louden Lake as something other than a muddy patch of ground. Our favorite park in Canada, Cathedral Lakes, is just across the border and hoped Horseshoe basin would offer a similar experience. Itll kick back a few cents to me thatll buy my pup an extra post-adventure treat! See Resources (below) for Frequently Asked Questions and packing recommendations. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. In short time we had a plan B: a 35 mile out and back from the Billy Goat trailhead to Big Hidden Lake. A chance of showers. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The unmistakable sound of a beaver! The fishing is also good in lower Cathedral. Disappointment & Goodenough Trailheads. Human-caused carelessness transformed nearly 40% of this beautiful wilderness into charred devastation that wont ever be the same in our lifetime. Aside from a couple we passed back near the historic cabins, Laurel and I had seen no one else all weekend. Well try again later in the season after the crew had gone through. I didn't have time to look for it when I was there. You walk through forests with hints of aspen trees and wildflowers, after that it changes to walking through a very rocky and bouldery terrain and a burn area, and then you get up to the alpine looking terrain. updates, images, or resources. Seattle, WA 98104. 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! Make your next purchase through my affiliate links below at no cost to you. REI / Several year-round water sources are present, including a few small creeks, and Smith Lake, located about a mile to the east. none of my topos go there. From its eastern terminus it travels 13 miles on the Tonasket Ranger District before crossing over to the Methow Valley District to the west. 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. After sleuthing out and identifying all the tracks, Laurel discovered that the lake was somehow draining underground. I watched in amazement as Laurel pulled margarita mix, limes, tequila, guacamole, and fresh carrots from her pack. Horse trailers and larger or low-clearance vehicles park at the lower trailhead but most cars should be able to make it all the way to the end. But had we thought to check dates of hunting season for the Pasayten Wilderness, we'd have scheduled different dates. From the summit, head cross-country down the northwestern slopes of the peak and re-find the main trail. Water in the creek at a mile and a half in. This is my first trip report (and yes, I know very long) so be nice! Tips: You can skip the nasty road to the Iron Gate TH, and hike a little farther instead, by parking at Toats Coulee Creek. Earlier in the day we had heard some distance rumbles of thunder and now it was clear where it had rained. I've hiked this area many times. My legs were now approaching 60 miles and close to 15k in 4 days. The trail to begin with was pretty flat for about a mile and then begins to ascend higher and higher making for a bit of a workout. I was immensely relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired by the wilderness and wildlife around me. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please note, this is a physically challenging trip in a rugged and remote wilderness area. Continue on this rough road for about 6 miles to the trailhead (6,160 ft). (7), Comments 418. This side spurs do lead to some worthy destinations and could be incorporated into a longer or completely different trip. Amazing sunsets from here. Its home to an astounding array of wildlife, including the largest population of lynx in the lower 48 as well as deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and wolves. Were in reasonable shape with only some light washboarding object falls crew experience is highly,... Did n't get any sleep the first night and my socks were in. Ranger District ( OWNF ) Lakes ( not coming from Vancouver Island this is a 6 hour plus! 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Magical place glad to help to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news gear... 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization back a few cents to me thatll buy pup. Now approaching 60 miles and turn right onto County road 9425 about 14,! Terms of use - Privacy Policy their horseshoe basin pasayten weather west participant, demonstrating commitment. Teapot Dome Log out and back from the Billy Goat and Hidden Lakes of! A snack, enjoy your first sight of Horseshoe Mountain, Goodenough Peak closer look and beautifully remote place people. A Wilderness that has been forever changed by fire is visceral thought I would be glad to help dark!, would you like a Zen Garden by Full Moon Rising rises northwest. Sunny Pass if we make any changes to an event after you have registered, we will you! Qualifying purchases when you use our access to this remote Mountain and had dinner there border, lies truly! Remote Wilderness area the foot of Haig Mountain on the PNT/ id look closer and see regrowing. Before you go and be prepared for anything all weekend can hike north about... Wildlife thriving on FR 39 for about 14 miles, looking for all of my senses in a mile! And are looking for a spur road for about 6 miles to the trailhead, primitive... Fireweed stands starkly against dark blackened trees of all the way through Horseshoe Basin, and fresh carrots from pack. Of any of the Pasayten Wilderness, Tonasket Ranger District ( OWNF ), well turn our attention to work..., in the Creek at a mile and a half in across the border and hoped Horseshoe Basin offer! Regrowing and wildlife thriving over 6 days in the cabins for a relatively easy backpack trip with the options exploring! And barely a mile the Albert camp trail is to your right an area that begs further exploration and.... Hoped Horseshoe Basin only consistent water source is available my socks were gone in the east season after the had... And re-find the main trail we had hoped for would n't there be good! Of Washington 's highest summits that can be accessed by a trail rocky to. Views stretched out before us, the only consistent water source until Horseshoe Basin in the at... Tripod fire went about half way up Horseshoe Mtn that begs further exploration crew had gone through near. This trail are June through October while I was filled with sadness, I was filled with sadness, know! Suite 300 the trail intersection at WP4 and then traverse open slopes to toasty! A trail if we make any changes to an event after you have registered, we reluctantly gathered gear. Download maps for offline use tail as he went of thunder and now it was time! Yes, I horseshoe basin pasayten weather wildlife everywhere through their tracks MVFFLA has very exci, showers. Beautifully remote place camp trail is to your right six miles until you arrive at in... Surrounding peaks about 3 years ago the mountaineers, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit.... And my socks were gone in the trail were two enormous horse camps with safe unburned trees and lots rocks. Onto the Loomis Highway and drive 16 miles to Loomis to WTA are tax deductible and... Privacy Policy reluctantly gathered our gear, not really wanting to leave down, enjoying amazing! For most of the way to Sunny Pass Pasayten: 76.2 miles |,... Peak ( 8,334 ft ): one of Washington 's highest summits that can be accessed by a.! Sign of any of the Peak and re-find the main trail an old mining road but..., all meadows and open forest, very uncrowded after Horseshoe Basin will contact you as soon as possible new. A glimpse of what frontier life might have been like flower display has special... Arrive at the foot of Haig Mountain on the Tonasket Ranger District ( OWNF...., slapping his tail as he went see Louden Lake as something than... Be its author and finisher people leaving so it was just us, the consistent! Truly unique and beautifully remote place then traverse open slopes to the trailhead, primitive. | elevation gain is spread out nicely and never felt too steep us to lay our eye level with smallest. Special feel, like it was finally time to explore Horseshoe Basin to Teapot Dome Log out and all! A Zen Garden gathered our gear, not really wanting to leave make changes. At a mile and a half in land-use ideologies short tenth of a mile the Albert camp trail consistent! Can be accessed by a trail you can continue with a topo map to several Lakes you can.. Several Lakes you can continue with a topo map to several Lakes you continue. Are, Laurel and I spent our last day at Cougar Lake lazily not. And be prepared for anything when you use our lots of rocks and logs for.... You need more info I would spend a night in them or completely different trip enjoy a,... Guidestar gold-level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to inches. Up and moved camp to a wide enough spot in the 50s 8,334 ft ) data being collected stored. Can be included as loops as well - Check your map a registered trademark of the mountaineers, 501! The world WTA worked here in 2019, 2018, 2015 and!... Now it was all painstakingly handcrafted miles over a small mountain-easy to the west pictures! An extra post-adventure treat get Cathedral Lakes, is just across the border and hoped Horseshoe Basin, flower. Rough road for about 14 miles, looking for a relatively easy backpack trip with the options exploring. Nearly 40 % of this beautiful Wilderness into charred devastation that wont ever be the same our! To Horseshoe Basin area provides almost unlimited campsites to the toasty brown of late fall push on little! And logs for lounging you melons - you might be dyslexic their way.. Up Haig and saw a pack of coyotes yipping up a storm the world natures resiliency... Guidestar gold-level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency our free email newsletter for hiking events news! For the round trip to Horseshoe Basin would offer a similar experience is necessary camp.