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Basalt Pass, Basalt Ridge
— Sep 03, 2010
— puff
Day hike
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Climbed steeply through forest to viewless Basalt Pass. Turned right, soon passed Rock Creek Tie tra...
Climbed steeply through forest to viewless Basalt Pass. Turned right, soon passed Rock Creek Tie trail on the left. Went up steeply some more and topped out on a knoll with views of Glacier Peak et al. Could also see up Rock Creek valley to Carne Mountain Trail keeps going to Chiwawa/Entiat divide, but I didn't. Saw one other hiker (from Israel). No bugs.
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Blowdowns | Snow on trail | Bugs
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From recently-melted-out trails and lack of tracks (except deer) it looks like we may have been the ...
From recently-melted-out trails and lack of tracks (except deer) it looks like we may have been the first party up Basalt Peak this season. It turned out to be a pleasant hike with great views, though we made our exit under the threat of thunderstorms and encountered some light rain. Our injuries were minor and entirely self-inflicted (except mosquito bites).
Jumped on I-5 early, around 5:30 AM. Drove 2 1/2 hours, about 130 miles, from Seattle to Basalt Pass trailhead #1530 (on FS 6210, off Chiwawa Valley road, 3700'). Note: No box toilet at trailhead. The trail started steeply at first, then became more gradual as it ascended the valley. There were a few small stream crossings and blowdowns, but mostly the trail is in great shape. We reached the junction with trail 1515 in an hour, and the summit (6004') in about another hour. Above the junction we started to see a few snow patches on the trail, as well as signs of very recent meltout. But the snow was in small patches, easy to cross. We never stopped for long, because mosquitoes were plentiful and attentive. Near the summit there's one section where the trail seems to split -- just a secondary switchback -- but it caused momentary confusion both going up and coming down. Otherwise the trail is easy to follow the entire way. Also, when you reach what clearly is the summit ridge, it's still forested and hasn't much of a view. The trick is to continue on the trail a few minutes further, north-westerly along the ridge, to a point that does get clear of the trees (but isn't any higher than the rest of the ridge). That's where we stopped to eat lunch and take in the view. This involved putting on jackets and balaclavas, and wrapping our legs, to get a break from the mosquitoes. The view is sweeping, west across the Chiwawa river valley and then all to way north to Glacier Peak, Carne Mountain, Seven-Fingered Jack, and Mt. Maude. But weather reports had warned of possible thunderstorms, and we could see thunderheads gathering to the southwest, so we didn't stay very long. Starting back down, we took several opportunities to do some Boy Scout-style trail work, clearing blown-down trees from the trail. Mark's trusty bow saw made quick work of a medium-sized tree. Further down the trail I dragged a tree off to the downslope side and in the process sliced my hand on a sharp twig. Easily repaired, but sparked a mental note to add work gloves to gear list. We soon got drizzles, then light rain with occasional thunder, which continued on and off most of the way down. It made the trail wetter but not muddy, still excellent walking. It took about 45 minutes to return to the junction with 1515, which on a better day we’d have followed for additional views. Back to car in another 45. So about 2 hours up, 1 1/2 hours down. Like good Boy Scouts we picked up trash along the way -- bits of nylon rope, etc. Near the end I noticed a clear glass bottle by the trail, partially full. Why would anyone bring a glass water bottle? Then we smelled it -- vodka! We entertained ourselves imagining the story behind the bottle (and its being left behind). We took it (contents untouched) to the trailhead and left it propped on the Basalt Pass trailhead sign. Stripped off our wet gear, changed into dry clothes and zoomed off. Two thumbs up for Basalt Peak. Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Bugs
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July 19, 2008: 5th of July Mountain, from Basalt Ridge
Complete solitude, an incredibly green fores...
July 19, 2008: 5th of July Mountain, from Basalt Ridge
Basalt Pass #1530,Basalt Ridge #1515
— Jun 13, 2005
— puff
Day hike
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BP trail is tip toe steep in spots but in good shape; BR starts the same in heavy brush then mellow...
BP trail is tip toe steep in spots but in good shape; BR starts the same in heavy brush then mellows out as it opens up. No snow except for a patch or two at Entiat Ridge junction. Going N on #1408 looked more interesting than S. Saw two deer and a black bear on FS Rd 62; no people after turning off same. No bugs.
Rock Creek #1509,Basalt Pass #1530,Basalt Ridge #1515
— Oct 09, 2001
— Alan Bauer
Day hike
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Sleeting going over Stevens Pass, snow on the ridges above 4500-5000', but off I was to dry land an...
Sleeting going over Stevens Pass, snow on the ridges above 4500-5000', but off I was to dry land and adventure up the Chiwawa River Valley. The peaks west of the area (i.e. Mount David, etc...) all were white half way up. However the recent moisture never made it as far as the Entiat Mountains and I never hit snow as I declared today the day to explore around Basalt Ridge and other area trails. |
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