[TrailPair]

Is Basalt Ridge prettier with snow sculptures or larch? Looking back on our photos from 10-29-08, it is a hard call. But on that previous hike we saw a couple of prime tent sites on the ridge, and thought it would be a beautiful place to camp when there was still snow available for melting. Jim K, who had never hiked in this area, joined us. The trail has not been logged out yet this year, and there are about a half dozen blowdowns in the first mile or so. Three of them are a hassle to get over or around. We were starting to wonder if there would be any snow on the ridge, when we ran into Get Out and Go and HitTheTrail(great to meet you guys!). They had spent the night in the basin, and reported that there was plenty of running water down there, and lots of snow on the ridge. We had not backpacked in a year, and were quickly running out of energy. This trail is fairly steep, and it kicked our butts. After traversing around HP 6763 we were ready to find a campsite, and chose a spot with nice views of Chiwawa Ridge, Glacier Peak, etc. After setting up camp we continued up to the crest, where the Basalt Ridge Trail meets trail 1408. To the right is Garland Peak, which we summited a few years ago. To the left is Devil's Smoke Stack and Rampart. We quickly all decided that we were too tired to drop down 400 ft. and then gain 700 ft. to get to the Rampart summit. Instead we relaxed in the sunshine for about 30 minutes, then returned to camp. Distance: about 10 miles RT Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft.

Looking for a campsite.

Guard dog.

Happy Lupe!

Snow sculptures.

Kicking steps.

Quick descent.

Luis with Glacier Peak and Buck Mt.

Camp in morning light.

Just leaving camp, HP 6763 behind.

Chiwawa Ridge beyond.

The boys climbing.

Long, snowy ridge.

Jim K , Bob and Luis.

A rocky section.

Dogs playing, Bob behind.

Descending from the crest.

Cute Luis in camp after a long day.

Feeding the pups on the crest.

Glacier Lilies at camp.

Lupe's idea of camping....snoozing in the tent.

[JimK]

My report with all 40 photos is here: Basalt Ridge Report Here are a few of my favorites:

[wildernessed]

[HitTheTrail]

It was great bumping into the three of you on the trail!! Always good to meet people rather than just read their posts. Glad the weather held out and you had a good trip. Maybe meet on the trail again some day.

[Get Out and Go]

Looks like you picked out a "room with a view" camp. I had mentioned to HitTheTrail that I had never seen anybody on that trail on previous trips except for a couple hunters one autumn. Under-appreciated destination....steep trail but at least it's efficient.

[TrailPair]

We have been on this trail twice before, and did not see any other people on those trips. Although it is steep, it is a good trail. Just needs to be logged out.

[GaliWalker]

I've no idea why this trail is so under appreciated. When I accessed 5th of July Mountain from this side, it was one of the best ridge walks I did in Washington (I'm still miffed that my 2008 trip report got not a single reply)! Very nice report and some lovely photos. Also, if you've been on this 3 times now, it should show others what they're missing out on. At least you guys know a good thing when you see it.

[TrailPair]

Gali, we are miffed, too, that your 2008 TR had no comments. All those beautiful flower shots! The flower show is just beginning this year.

[JimK]

In the second post above I've added some of my photos and a link to the detailed report with all 40 photos.