Spider Meadow and Phelps Basin — Friday, Jul. 29, 2016

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Headed back out to Spider Meadow this weekend, haven't been there for 20 years. Spent the night in Leavenworth the night before the night before and stopped by their outdoor store on the way out. They said the bugs were terrible up there which scared the heck out of my wife. We still went for it. Once we hit the trailhead we made the decision to set up camp before the meadow up at Leroy Creek. 3.6 miles in and a small 600 foot elevation gain. After setting up camp we ate a little and headed up the trail to the right which fallows Leroy Creek up and heads towards 7 Finger Jack. This is a gnarly hike that goes straight up the side of the mountain without switchbacks. There is a beautiful waterfall just to the right as you work your way up. We got about a half a mile up and realized my wife might have problems getting down due to bad traction along with no poles. We turned around and headed back down to camp, On the way down we noticed that at the crossing at Leroy Creek the bugs weren't as bad because it got a nice breeze. We stayed there for about 4-5 hours and had some drinks and fruit. We passed out early at the camp sight, I woke up and headed out to go to the bathroom and saw two teenage deer eating 10 feet from us. We didn't seem to scare them and they stayed there all night. We decided to get up early the next morning to head up to Spider Meadows in hopes that we get up before the bugs. We headed out of camp about 6:30. We hit the meadows about 2 miles in and hiked past the meadows to try and cross Spider Gap to look over to the other side. about 3.5 miles in and 1200 vertical we hit the trailhead to Spider Gap. The trail became rocky and steep with some good cliffs. Actually didn't think it was to bad but my wife started panicking so we took a couple photos and turned around. At the trailhead to Spider Gap there was another trail that went into Phelps Basin. Was glad we decided to take that trail in to the Basin. Was absolutely beautiful. We saw one group of 3 camped there. What a great camp spot, we will make sure we camp there on our next trip in. We sat there ate a little and headed back down to our camp spot. The bugs weren't bad at all that day due to a nice breeze. Once back at camp sat at Leroy to let our feet soak in the water, had a couple adult beverages than broke up camp and headed down.