Spider Meadow and Phelps Basin — Friday, Jul. 6, 2018

Okay, first of all, I'll talk about the road. Yes, it's horrible. Yes, I questioned the sanity of attempting it in a Honda Fit. Yes, I'd absolutely recommend a high clearance vehicle if you have access to one. But, if you don't (like us), it's possible to get to the trailhead if you go slow and know how to drive on rough terrain. There were a few sedans and subcompacts up there besides us, so I guess we weren't the only crazy ones.

NOTE: In contradiction to WTA's info, you don't seem to need a NW Forest Pass to park at the trailhead. The sign at the trailhead said "no recreation pass required" and the USFS also doesn't mention needing a pass on the trailhead's web page. 

We arrived at the trailhead around 9AM Friday. There were already 15 or so cars parked there. Even with the terrible road, this is a popular hike, and--as we soon discovered--deservedly so. 

The trail itself is in good condition. Blowdowns are cleared up (thanks USFS!). It's a gentle uphill grade (Gaia track said 1623' ascent) through the pine forest, with peek-a-boo views of snow-capped mountains every so often to remind you what's in store when you arrive at the meadow.  Some snow patches on the trail starting around 4 miles in, but nothing bad.

There were a good dozen or so creek crossings, mostly unremarkable, but four or so that required extra care. Leroy Creek was probably the hairiest. Trekking poles helped a lot. Use the logs; there are plenty of them, and they can be moved to make bridges. 

We got to Spider Meadow around noon and wow. What a view. I felt like I should start belting out "The Sound of Music" or something. We nabbed a campsite, set up our tents, and spent the rest of the day exploring the meadow before the rain rolled in. Marmots whistled back and forth; deer wandered through our campsite; wildflowers were beginning to bloom; clouds played along the jagged mountain peaks. Pure paradise. 

By Saturday morning the rain had cleared up and we went to explore Phelps Basin. This required two more creek crossings; the latter of which, Phelps Creek, finally proved too much for my boots and I gave up and waded in barefoot. Talk about an invigorating foot bath...that water is cold! There was a lot more snow past the creek crossing, and snow bridges are starting to melt out, so be careful. 

Phelps Basin was gorgeous. There was no one else there and we crossed Phelps Creek yet again by building a little log bridge, then had lunch on top of a huge boulder. There are more campsites up here, at least two that we saw, possibly more still under snow. 

Didn't go up to Spider Gap but heard from other hikers that there is still a lot of snow, and microspikes are probably necessary. 

Headed out Sunday AM and braved Phelps Creek / Chiwawa River Road once more. Survived, with our car intact! Got burgers at Zeke's on the way out before settling in for the Hwy 2 traffic slog back to Seattle.

All in all, we had a lovely long weekend, and it was a great introduction to backpacking for one of our friends whom we dragged along. Beautiful, beautiful trail--if you can brave that darn road!