Union Creek, Basin Lake & Crow Lake Way — Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

This is a very long day loop with ~27 miles. I went clockwise starting up from the Union Creek trailhead (on HWY 410). The signpost says the bridge is out, only 1/4 mile in or so. Indeed it was out but it was easy to cross on an obvious log. in fact, I completed the entire loop without getting my feet wet by way of logs or rock hopping. There are a couple nice waterfalls at the beginning of the trail, then it climbs gradually along the creek for several miles. it is really only steep the last part, and more exposed there too as you climb up on the ridge to the Basin Lake Trail. I followed this trail north to a saddle that looks down on Basin Lake. The trail continued on down the saddle but looked like it also went up the ridge so I followed that route, at least until it dispersed. It was worth the side trip however because when I turned around I saw 2 dozen goats perched just above the saddle I had been standing at, only I couldnt see them from that angle. I hiked down from the saddle but opted not to take either of the side trails that went to Basin Lake as I preferred the view from above. The trail joins the PCT for a brief while until the intersection of the Crow Lake Trail at Big Crow Basin, which thankfully is signed. Just down the trail there is an old cabin in the basin. Then the trail goes into the trees, occasionally coming out into a meadow where the trail disappears but magically appears on the opposite side. This trail has more horse traffic than the Union Creek Trail, especially on the lower half. I took the short spur out to Crow Creek Lake, but it was nearly impossible to get to as it is in a big marsh. there were too many mosquitoes to even stop for lunch so i retreated. I missed the trail to Marsh Lake completely, even though i was looking for it. The trail to Sheepherder Lake was more obvious, and clearly a favorite stop for horse riders. there is no sign there however. This lovely turquoise lake is worth the side trip. There were several people there fishing for cutthroat and doing well. Expect lots of water crossings on the way down, great for my dog. The main trail always leads to a horse ford so I had to look around for logs to cross. The trail down is dusty and rocky, typical of horse tread. The last mile or so drops steeply with a series of endless switchbacks. I was glad I hadn't gone the opposite direction, as I prefer more gradual climbs. The trail comes out at a sno-park area and I had to climb around a horse trailer and go between the horses tied up on the Pleasant Valley Trail (999). This trail follows the road for ~3 miles back to the Union Creek trailhead parking. The Union Creek crossing on 999 bridge is out, but there again were good log crossings. And a great place for a post-hike soak.