Esmeralda Basin (Esmerelda), Lake Ann & Fortune Creek-Van Epps — Friday, Jun. 12, 2009

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

Our goal was to hike the Esmerelda Loop. We began the loop on the Esmerelda Basin trail (1394) but turned back at Fortune Pass when the trail became indiscernable due to snow cover. Weather patterns: both days the following weather pattern repeated itself: a) sunny morning b) thunder, lightning, and rain in the early afternoon c) sunny evening We are not sure if this is a typical weather pattern for this area in this season, but highly recommend packing your rain gear, despite the fact this basin is in a 'rain shadow'. Trail conditions: trail was clear but soggy. Hard to keep feet dry during stream crossings, but our husky was able to cross all streams on his own. Snowbanks were present at start of trail and increased with frequency as we gained elevation. Both the pass to Lake Ann and Fortune Creek Pass were snowed in. Due to snow-cover we were unable to find the trail from Fortune Creek Pass to Gallagher Head Lake, so did not complete the loop. We also tried to find the trail to Ann Lake and were unable to find that trail as well, due to snow. Wildflowers: Lower meadows full of shooting-stars, and small yellow lilies blooming at all altitudes. Other than that, we did not see showy wildflowers. Happy Hiking! R&E Chao