Basalt Ridge, Basalt Pass & Minnow Creek — Tuesday, Sep. 26, 2023

Access to Basalt Peak via Minnow Creek Trail and Basalt Ridge Trail is open again after several years of being inaccessible.  Lower Basalt Ridge (Finner Tie) trail is cleared except for the second to top switchback below the ridge - its possible to go overland between the switchbacks without too much trouble until it gets finished out.  The viewpoint access off of Basalt Ridge Trail was also opened up.  WRRD trail crew put in a solid couple days of work - 4 saws 2 swampers and 8 gallons of saw gas clearing between 2500 - 3000 trees on Minnow, Finner and Basalt Ridge.  Heavy ceanothus brush and lodgepole reprod were slashed as much as possible - the trail still needs a tune up with brush cutters and a tread crew, but it is entirely hikeable and bikeable for those with an adventurous spirit.  The trail is not currently recommended as passable to stock- there are several places where root-wads have pulled out leaving steep holes, places to punch hooves through and drop-offs, especially on Minnow Creek Tr, however those with good animals and handling skills can likely make it up. 

If looking to go up to Basalt Peak, I recommend heading for the old lookout site that is just east of what is marked as "Basalt Peak" - the trees are cleared and the unobstructed views of Rock Creek and the Trinity Mountains are great from up there.  Basalt Pass Trail was cleared by public and is passable, though steep.  If taking a bike up there, expect to be pushing it until reaching the ridge.