My husband and I chose this hike looking for solitude, high alpine, and a region we could day trip from a central base camp. The Similkameen Trail is a short section of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail(PNT) as it heads west from the the town of Oroville, WA following an old railroad grade in the heart of the Okanagan.From the trailhead in town you'll head west for 1.5 miles before coming to an alternate trail headalong Loomis-Oroville Highway. From the summit, head cross-country down the northwestern slopes of the peak and re-find the main trail. The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. A great backpacking destination with several options for exploring. Full of gorgeous lakes, high alpine tundra, and nearly 150 peaks over 7,500 in elevation, the Pasaytens biodiversity is a marvel. Beautiful Horseshoe Mountain lies on the right (east) side of the pass. Gawking is allowed, even encouraged. This trail is in the Pasayten Wilderness. The trail from Louden lake hugs the 7000 ft contour for most of the way. This hike took us from our camp at Sunny Pass, down into Horseshoe Basin, out to Loudon Lake, up Armstrong Mountain, over to Arnold Peak, and finally back to Sunny Pass via the Long Draw Trail. Behind us was Many Trails Peak, towering over the landscape. NWS Turn right and in 0.1 mile turn onto the Albert Camp Trail. 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. Continue straight to Horseshoe Basin. We were surprised to find ourselves sharing the basin with quite a few hunters (deer and bear were in season) on our trip. getting there From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. Theres a small camping area right off the trail with easy access to water, but its surrounded by a lot of soot and burned, unstable trees. Beautiful, sunny morning on June 11, 2022 for our day hike to the Basin. Even if I dont see live animals, I see wildlife everywhere through their tracks. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Middle Hidden turned up even more critters that included coyote, otter, and possibly even mink. Learn more. The next junction to the right, the Long Draw Trail, heads to Arnold and Goodenough Peaks. I guess it makes sense if the Lost River is indeed subterranean in places. And 2, Where is the mine at Tungsten? Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Wolframite Mountain + Bauerman Ridge + Teapot Dome. Washington Trails Association The green forest soon yields to the charred remains of the 2006 Tripod fire. 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. Needless to say, I didn't sleep in or near the cabins again. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 From the Billy Goat trailhead, the Hidden Lakes trail climbs roughly 700 feet over 2 miles along the eastside of the Eightmile Creek drainage with big views of Big Craggy and Eightmile Peak to the west. Every stand of trees, rock outcropping, and flower display has a special feel, like it was all painstakingly handcrafted. From your camp you can hike North crosscountry about 5 miles over a small mountain-easy to the border marker. The Pasayten Wilderness is a 531,539 acres (215,106 ha) protected area located within Okanogan National Forest and Mount Baker National Forest in Washington state, centered on the Three Forks (485402N 1203801W) of the Pasayten River, a tributary of the Similkameen River. A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 11pm. Haig Mountain + Rock Mountain 7641 + Armstrong Mountain SE Peak + Arnold Peak. But never a more worthy effort, Foist. I'm so very grateful. The Pasayten contains more than one-half-million acres of designated wilderness. Images "If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. Log in and send us I left my telephoto lens at the trailhead. Some thunder is also possible. If you to the Tungsten Mine cabins, I wouldn't recommend staying in them. Not sure what they were after but there were no mice or prairie dogs around this area. This side spurs do lead to some worthy destinations and could be incorporated into a longer or completely different trip. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. This side spurs do lead to some worthy destinations and could be incorporated into a longer or completely different trip. 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 is simply gorgeous. you can take at this route/place. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. 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 The views can be breathtaking. We started our adventure at the Iron Gate Trailhead. Seattle, WA 98104. updates, images, or resources. My husband and I chose this hike looking for solitude, high alpine, and a region we could day trip from a central base camp. At 0.7 mi you will encounter a junction. Pacific Northwest Trail Association Photo by Wild Side.jpeg, Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Highway Spring Cleaning, Trails Reopen, Upcoming Snowy Weekend. Log in and send us Cougar Lake was peacefully beautiful in the light of day and the air was full of the tiny meeps of pika. . All NOAA, Dry, gusty winds will drive elevated to critical fire weather Tuesday in the southern Rockies, southern Plains, and Mid-Atlantic. After driving 9 miles north on the West Chewuch Road, you continue another 17 miles on Forest Road 5130, which branches off the Chewuch at the 8 Mile Sno-Park. As you enjoy a snack, enjoy your first sight of Horseshoe Basin, an area that begs further exploration. Night 1 - Trail #534 by Cinch Creek. 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. The views are even bigger now that the trees have sadly been burned into matchsticks. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our. We camped overnight at the Iron Gate trailhead and our plan was to make our way to Louden lake to set up base camp. The area has been long storied for its beauty and trout fishing, but was severely impacted by the 128,000 acre Diamond Creek Fire in 2017. Consistent snow from Remmel Lake north, up to four feet; we often postholed up to our thighs in the deep areas. The shortest route to get Cathedral Lakes (not coming from Canada) is roughly 19 miles. Along the way, the PNT crosses three national parks, seven national forests, and two other national scenic trails. Good news, the PNT trail crew, as of 6/24, had already cleared all of the blow downs up to Clutch Creek. By now they have probably made it all the way to Sunny Pass. Chance of precipitation is 20%. And that vehicle turned out to belong to Jenjen, who came out as I was going in, and who lent me a piece of gear I was missing (cookpot handle). 6150 FT. Deer Park is to your right and Windy Peak is to your your left. Stay on FR 39 for about 14 miles, looking for a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. An easy grade, almost flat to the first creek, then gradual uphill most of the way to Sunny pass. The reality? trip reports for this trail. Several swampy low areas exist in this area and the bugs can be ferocious. Continue on until the trail finally breaks out of the burned area about three miles from the trailhead. Once this section of corridor is clear, well turn our attention to tread work. Find a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide." The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Top . This 7 day trip was exactly what we had hoped for. At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. Fire has opened up sweeping vistas previously hidden by forest and painted the landscape in a spectacular palette of deep earthy reds, oranges, and browns. Tax ID: 27-3009280. (7), Comments From the trailhead, enter a forest still bearing scars from the 2006 Tripod Fire. My legs were now approaching 60 miles and close to 15k in 4 days. The trail is super easy this way. Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. Note: If youvealready booked a spot on this trip and youd like to book additional spots for other members ofyour group, or view the booking options again, then log out of your pnt.org account (if applicable) and reload this page. So much in nature goes completely unnoticed until you truly sit down, be still, watch, and listen. far. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Everything sure looks different than the times I went there in October. Allow plenty of time to explore Horseshoe Basin by camping at the trailhead, where primitive camping without a water source is available. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. I spent a week there about 3 years ago. The mosquitoes are bad so be prepared. I was soggy and cold as we unpackeded camp, then Laurel asked, would you like a margarita?. At the very end of August, I spent 6 days backpacking over 80 miles inside the Pasayten, first completing a stunning solo backpack loop around Devils Dome on its west side, then joining up with a friend to explore around the Hidden Lakes of the central Pasayten. Great little hike with some awesome waterfalls at the end. At 7.1 miles from the trailhead come to Loudon Lake. It was sobering to see the charred landscape. 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. High near 35. Adult participantsmay backpack in/out of the backcountry camp on their own timeframe; however, unaccompanied minors must remain with the crew for the full duration of the trip. HUGE electrical storm that night, thunder and lighting, quite the show. If we make any changes to an event after you have registered, we will contact you as soon as possible with new information. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Weather was partly cloudy and cool, in the 50s. Snow showers, mainly after 11am. We watched giddily as he made laps all over the lake, slapping his tail as he went. I was post holing at times thigh deep. Interesting tidbit about your friend find out if he wants to team up for a mission to get back at those bushy-tailed wood rats! Distance: 6+ miles Elevation: 1000+ feet Highest Point: 6900 feet The notorious Hart Pass Road (FR 5400) to Slate peak is the highest public road in Washington state, and likely the most spine chilling; however, it provides gateway to several highly acclaimed trails including Windy Pass. Weather was partly cloudy and cool, in the 50s. Lead Dog, I am not sure about contracting the virus, but there does seem to be some concern about the bushy tailed wood rat. Summer average highs are 70-80F, and lows are 35-45F. Castle Peak in the clouds. Bummer the bugs were so bad. This is your last chance to refill water bottles, so take the time to do so here. We decided to keep our cozy camp at Cougar Lake and day hike to Big Hidden Lake with lighter packs. But watch freezing levels, and go prepared for any kind of weather. Nice report and great pics. Pass out of the burn area at 3.3 miles and continue onwards and upwards. Continue on this rough road for about 6 miles to the trailhead (6,160 ft). Here, make a right onto County Road 9425, and after 2 miles make a left onto Forest Road 39. We took our breakfast to the sunny spot along the lake we visited the previous day and reveled in the solitude and beauty. Even the elusive grizzly may roam here. 1, Wouldn't there be a good chance of contracting Hanta Virus from staying in the cabins? Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Horse trailers and larger or low-clearance vehicles park at the lower trailhead but most cars should be able to make it all the way to the end. Our favorite park in Canada, Cathedral Lakes, is just across the border and hoped Horseshoe basin would offer a similar experience. The cabins are full of rodents however. At the easterly edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, almost touching the Canadian border, lies a truly unique and beautifully remote place. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. The short side trip to the top of Horseshoe Mountain only adds a few hundred vertical feet. Horseshoe Basin is a diverse expansive paradise of alpine tundra, ghost forest reminiscent of the Tripod Fire of 2006, a forest of larches and easy-to-scramble mountains rising above the wildflower meadow. Thankfully, we won the gamble and made it out safe and sound; and even with all our type B and C experiences, type A made it all worth it. Water in the creek at a mile and a half in. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Secure the necessary permits before heading out. Nice report! Log in and send us The trees are slowly starting to reclaim the burned area but as of now it can get fairly hot due to the lack of cover in this area and I am guessing do to the amount of windfall that this is not a good place to get caught in high winds. Several campsites may be located in this area. At mile 7, I turned around and made camp at Sunny Pass. The trail is right off of the Cascade Pass Trail. & Four Point Lake. What is best? Thanks. WTA worked here in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2014! Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Of course wouldnt you know? Continue on the spur road for nearly six miles until you arrive at the trailhead. A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness, 6/30-7/1/06. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Friday Where : Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness, Washington State (US Trail no.533) When : From Thursday June 24th to Sunday June 27th, 2004 Maps : Green Water plentiful. What is on the Canadian side? This is signed as Toats Coulee Road at first. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches have been issued. To see any green in this badly burned landscape was refreshing and we couldnt help but admire it. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Thank you for the info. 1am PDT Apr 18, 2023-6pm PDT Apr 24, 2023, Excessive Rainfall and Winter Weather Forecasts, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I've hiked this area many times. There are no resources for this route/place. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. More information. 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. If I go back I'd like to see the tunnels if they are still open. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/horseshoe-basin-pasayten, https://www.wta.org/site_images/hikes/horseshoe-basin_lets-go-bobby.jpg/@@download/image/Horseshoe Basin. Join me as I share my love of the PNW and beyond, especially the beautiful Valley I'm lucky to call home! I had to cut my 5 day trip short and head back in the morning. Spring average highs are 50-60F, and lows are 15-30F. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Most of the trail to Cougar Lake after Diamond Creek traverses below Island Mountain and has minimal climbing, which I was thankful for! Washington's Pasayten Wilderness is a clash of cultures, geologic forces, and land-use ideologies. But as I hiked, I wasnt really thinking about my legs or how tired they were from these 80 miles in the Pasayten. If you really need to go further, by all means, go further. The next day would be either 9+ miles or 5 miles depending or where you camp to Cathedral Lake. Read More >, Local Forecast OfficeMore Local Wx3 Day HistoryMobile WeatherHourly Weather Forecast, Chance SnowShowers thenSlight ChanceRain/Snow, Zone Area Forecast for Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest, WA. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. The PNTA provides tools, personal protective equipment, and training. A chance of showers. 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