The Pacific Northwest Trail Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Its clear there used to be scattered campsites and horse camps between the trailhead and Drake Creek, but most are now blackened and surrounded by scorched, unstable snags. From our camp at Sunny Pass we climbed up the northwest side of Rock Mountain and then descended the east face to Loudon Lake. Lost Peak, Pass Butte, and Many Trails Peak dominate the landscape. A 30 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. Trail: Boundary Trail (533) to Horseshoe Basin and beyond Area: Pasayten Wilderness, Okanogan NF, Loomis Access: Loomis, FS 39 (Toats Coulee Road) to FS (3900)500 to Iron Gate "Campground" Length: Up to 94 Miles, 7.2 mls to Louden Lake, 12 miles to Haig Mtn. It may have been the same guy we saw before. We had Louden all to ourselves. We sat down, enjoying the amazing solitude, the huge views stretched out before us, and the unbelievable blue sky. We had originally planned to camp here for the night but decided to push on a few more miles to Cougar Lake to see if we could find a safer and more private camp spot. Unfortunately, sometimes the weather and other unforeseen circumstances may cause us to cancel or reschedule an event. The reality? A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 11am, then a slight chance of rain showers. Weather in Horseshoe Basin (Washington), . 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Had to turn around. We started our adventure at the Iron Gate Trailhead. (45). By now they have probably made it all the way to Sunny Pass. Day 6 Explored all of Horseshoe Mountain and dropped down into little Horseshoe Basin from a rocky trail at the NE backside of the mountain. It was beautiful. The trail was in good condition all the way but after the cabins, it was a maze of fallen trees. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Enjoy this 12.5-mile out-and-back trail near Tonasket, Washington. Things really open up at Sunny pass. If day hiking, a scramble up Pick Peak or a short jaunt up the Albert Camp Trail may be in order as this is a good turn around spot. There are high meadows, tarns, and mountains for a backdrop. When we reached the south end of First Hidden Lake, we saw tons of animal tracks in the dried end of the lake bed, just like the west side of Cougar Lake. One of my favorite spots to day hike (we have cabin about 45 min from trailhead) wildflowers are amazing after the snow melts. Instead, Laurel and I met for breakfast, then poured over maps while I dried my gear in the sun at Pearrgyin Lake State Park. There is also Tungsten Lake SW of the Tungtesn Mine cabins, use your map it isn't far. Sunny, clear, and cool. Night 2 - Teapot Lake. Sunny Pass is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. This trail is in the Pasayten Wilderness. I was there in the fall of '01, and the rats had full run of the place, day and night. There was no sign of any of the intersecting trails leading up Stub Creek or to Tatoosh Buttes. Once this section of corridor is clear, well turn our attention to tread work. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Isn't that a great place? Nice views over to Snowy protected area in Canada and of all the surrounding peaks. Allow plenty of time to explore Horseshoe Basin by camping at the trailhead, where primitive camping without a water source is available. early spring and late fall, as conditions may change without notice and this trail is a long ways from anywhere. WTA worked here in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2014! Everything sure looks different than the times I went there in October. Patchy blowing snow before 2am. The blow downs open up closer to Sunny Pass. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. More information. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Please note, this is a physically challenging trip in a rugged and remote wilderness area. Well try again later in the season after the crew had gone through. This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips Coveted by backpackers and strong hikers, Horseshoe Basin in the Pasayten Wilderness is a very strenuous 19.5 mile loop with 3,400 ft in elevation gain. Friday What is on the Canadian side? I recommend starting at the Chewuch Trailhead, which is accessed by Remmel Mountain (8685 ft), the former site of a fire lookout, is a massive pile of granite and a wonderful destination for panoramic views of the rugged Pasayten Wilderness. Deer Park is to your right and Windy Peak is to your your left. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness/Special Area: Pasayten Wilderness Area: Topo Map: Data Source: This peak was submitted to the Peakbagger.com database by Andy Dewey. Continue on the spur road for nearly six miles until you arrive at the trailhead. From the sound of it, there was a pretty healthy pika population living in the surrounding talus fields that had survived the fire just fine! Despite rheumatoid arthritis I've spent over 20 years exploring the Washington State backcountry and I believe our connection with natureits land, water, sky, and wildlifemakes us whole. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? A chance of rain and snow showers. It was sobering to see the charred landscape. Found water in the bushy streams near the zig zagging Albert Camp trail. Horseshoe Basin is one of the few places in the Lower 48 to contain alpine tundra and is home to bears, deer and pronghorn sheep, if you know where to look. Day 3 Loop to Goodenough Peak, returned via the old trail to the camp near the cattle gate, then traversed up the East shoulder of Arnold Peak and down the West side through Snehumption Gap. I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored as outlined by the site . You walk through forests with hints of aspen trees and wildflowers, after that it changes to walking through a very rocky and bouldery terrain and a burn area, and then you get up to the alpine looking terrain. We took our breakfast to the sunny spot along the lake we visited the previous day and reveled in the solitude and beauty. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. ben kallo education; how much is the wimbledon trophy worth; veterans football teams looking for players; apartments for rent chipley, fl; strickland funeral home pooler, ga Nearer Cougar Lake, the appropriately named Lost River disappears underground and is replaced by a spectacularly green marsh. It had plenty of water and was lovely and for our plan, the perfect central location.Although the stream flowing into the lake DID dry up on our last day, as an alternate camp spot I would choose a spot up the shoulder toward Snehumption Gap along Horseshoe creek. Abraham Lincoln. This makes a perfect campsite for your first night or a good location to set up base camp to explore your immediate surroundings for a day or two. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Low around 20. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. It sounded like most of the trail had been logged out as far as First Hidden Lake, but beyond that we had no idea what wed find. When planning a trip to Horseshoe Basin please consult maps and otherguides as theadventure described below is one of many that may be done from this trailhead. Located in the Pasayten Wilderness and surrounded by Amphitheater Mountain and Cathedral Peak, Cathedral Lakes are a great destination for a multi-day backpacking trip. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Horseshoe Basin is one of the few places in the Lower 48 to contain arctic tundra and is home to bears, deer and pronghorn sheep, if you know where to look. The only knock I can say compared to Cathedral Lakes is the lack of mountain goats. All NOAA, Dry, gusty winds will drive elevated to critical fire weather Tuesday in the southern Rockies, southern Plains, and Mid-Atlantic. Grand total over 6 days in the Pasayten: 76.2 miles | 19,035Whew, no wonder my legs were tired! Volunteers will have the opportunity to camp out with the crew. The work thats been done to clear the trail is impressive. And there was a moose in the lake! You don't do it on a regular weekend, but since it's so far you're safe doing it on a 3 day weekend like Labor Day without having to worry about crowds. Summer average highs are 70-80F, and lows are 35-45F. Get to know this 20.1-km out-and-back trail near Tonasket, Washington. We went about half way up Haig and saw a pack of coyotes yipping up a storm. REI / Here, emerald green hillsides take over the vista in front of you, and scenic Sunny Pass beckons.Hike steadily uphill and reach the inviting pass at 4.8 miles. Temperatures were cool, I wore long undies and thermals, touque etc in my 3 season bag but it was more comfortable to grunt up the peaks than if it had been hot. 12 miles in and barely a mile from camp and my shoes and pants were soaked through in no time. Our favorite park in Canada, Cathedral Lakes, is just across the border https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2019-08-21.7241644122, https://www.wta.org/site_images/trip-reports/2019/tripreport.image.2019-08-21.7293004937/@@download/image/IMG_6109.JPG. Latest weather conditions and forecasts for the UK and the world. A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 11pm. From the trailhead, enter a forest still bearing scars from the 2006 Tripod Fire. But had we thought to check dates of hunting season for the Pasayten Wilderness, we'd have scheduled different dates. Two advantages to October: no bugs of any kind, and only one other car at the trailhead on a Saturday night (total out of two trips). A huge fire lookout geek, I've visited every historic fire lookout in Washington, staff the Goat Peak lookout near my home in the Methow Valley, and help to research and preserve these historic structures. The next day would be either 9+ miles or 5 miles depending or where you camp to Cathedral Lake. See more trip photos here. Having been to Horseshoe Basin/Pasayten twice, I think the best campsites are on the lower SW slopes of Armstrong Mountain and South of Snehumption Gap. Cougar Lake was peacefully beautiful in the light of day and the air was full of the tiny meeps of pika. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. As you enjoy a snack, enjoy your first sight of Horseshoe Basin, an area that begs further exploration. Ive always believed that the more you look, the more you see. Our first night we camped in the middle of Horseshoe Basin, right on the tundra and anticipated out journey the next day. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It was all these feelings, along with surprising solitude and an astounding variety of animal tracks, that made the 3 days I spent with my friend near Hidden Lakes a trip I wont soon forget. Continue reading, 132 First 3 miles of the trail were constant blow downs. We were surprised to find ourselves sharing the basin with quite a few hunters (deer and bear were in season) on our trip. I was immensely relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired by the wilderness and wildlife around me. Due to a storm, I thought I would spend a night in them. Great little hike with some awesome waterfalls at the end. Please select one of the following: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Approach to Tungsten Mine. There were still small batches in the shady spots. Easy trail the whole way, all meadows and open forest, very uncrowded after Horseshoe Basin. updates, images, or resources. That said, I was thrilled to see a moose! Its a beautiful area. Did you know WTA has a mobile app? Water in the creek at a mile and a half in. A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Both of these trails can be included as loops as well - Check your map! From Horseshoe Basin, we traveled west for several days . Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail could occur over the central Plains Wednesday, northeast Texas into Arkansas on Thursday, and the lower Mississippi Valley on Friday. PNTA is a GuideStar gold-level participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. North Cascades Visitor Center in Sedro-Woolley, 360 . , MSR / This may be a bit of a "slog" but is definitely worth the extra effort. A relatively short and level trail leads to some of the most beautiful meadows in Washington state. The conditions worsened over night with high winds and light snow the entire night. Log in and send us The Hidden Lakes and Billy Goat area of the Pasayten had been on my radar for many years, but I hadnt planned to get there on this particular trip. This side spurs do lead to some worthy destinations and could be incorporated into a longer or completely different trip. Images far. Colville National Forest, Tonasket Ranger District, Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books), Backpacking Washington (Romano - Mountaineers Books). Distance: 7.3 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,270. Day 4 Return trip to Haig Mtn. Located in the Pasayten Wilderness and one of the northernmost parts of the state, Horseshoe Basin is worth the drive to get there. From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. A chance of showers. Water again at Sunny camp. Huh? I responded, convinced my ears were playing tricks on me. . Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Attempted Eastern Pasayten loop on 6/23. Spring average highs are 50-60F, and lows are 15-30F. If you wish you can continue with a topo map to several lakes you can fish. The shortest route to get Cathedral Lakes (not coming from Canada) is roughly 19 miles. Follow the trail to the trail intersection at WP4 and then take a 1.8-mile roundtrip jaunt up Topaz Mountain. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Far up the Lost River Valley of the Pasayten, only 10 miles south of the Canadian border, lie a chain of four gorgeous lakes: Cougar Lake, First Hidden Lake, Middle Hidden Lake, and Big Hidden Lake. A logical destination for a 5-6 days trip would be Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Lakes. Coming from Vancouver Island this is a 6 hour drive plus the ferry ride. I was post holing at times thigh deep. The views can be breathtaking. We will be taking a scout troup up there from July 26-31 and are looking for all of our options in the area. Haig Mountain + Rock Mountain 7641 + Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Arnold Peak. We did not get to Windy Peak, but those we talked to who came from there said it was great. Cloudy Low: 14 F Sunday Partly Sunny then Scattered Snow Showers High: 30 F Sunday Night Snow Showers Likely then Mostly Cloudy Low: 15 F Monday Mostly Sunny then Isolated Snow Showers High: 33 F Monday Night Isolated Snow Showers then Partly Cloudy Low: 16 F Tuesday Mostly Sunny High: 32 F Tuesday Night Partly Cloudy Low: 17 F Wednesday If you really need to go further, by all means, go further. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Wildflowers/Meadows Mountain views Wildlife Established campsites Ridges/passes Dogs allowed on leash I spent a week there about 3 years ago. At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. Unbelievable views at the top! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Both of these trails can be included as loops as well - Check your map! Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended, but no trail crew experience is necessary. fewer flies (highly annoying in summer), smaller crowds. If you had walked another 15 minutes you would have come to a flatter area with nicer campsites. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Man, everyone raves about that place, and it looks gorgeous. Distance: 13.8 miles | Elevation Gain: 3,150. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Today we'll backpack out to Goodenough Trailhead, an approximate 10.5 mi | 5.5 hr journey, East Pasayten Wilderness Pack In Support, East Pasayten Wilderness: Goodenough Park to Haig Mountain Log Out and Maintenance, East Pasayten Wilderness: Horseshoe Basin to Teapot Dome Log Out and Maintenance, East Pasayten Wilderness Pack Out Support, Sullivan Lake Trails Annual Maintenance. Pass out of the burn area at 3.3 miles and continue onwards and upwards. . Laurel works full time with Conservation Northwest specializing in Conservation Restoration Ecology. Thanks Lead Dog! Basic hill wander on grassy slopes with marmots, prairie dogs, and ptarmigan. Lead Dog, I am not sure about contracting the virus, but there does seem to be some concern about the bushy tailed wood rat. A small meadow with a beautiful view of Windy Peak while wet your appetite before you hike back into the forest. Went there only to find it snowing hard so we turned around. Full of gorgeous lakes, high alpine tundra, and nearly 150 peaks over 7,500 in elevation, the Pasaytens biodiversity is a marvel. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Once we turned our focus to the actual lake, we noticed a huge school of trout, floundering and trapped in the small receding pool of water left. 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