Basalt Pass
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A brutally steep mile of climbing through old growth to a wilderness crossroads.
About This Trail
Basalt Pass packs over 1,200 feet of elevation gain into barely a mile, making it one of the steepest maintained trails in the Chiwawa River drainage. The trail attacks the slope in three distinct phases: relentless steepness for the first 0.4 miles, a brief reprieve along a contour line, then a final steep push to the pass at 5,200 feet. Old-growth forest canopy provides shade throughout, which is welcome given the grade.
The pass itself offers no views, but it serves as a critical junction for accessing some of the finest backcountry in the Central Cascades. Trails radiate to Basalt Peak (with its 360-degree summit panorama), Rock Creek, Garland Peak, and connections into the Glacier Peak Wilderness toward Larch Lakes, Ice Lakes, and the Entiat River corridor. For many backpackers, Basalt Pass is the gateway rather than the destination.
Parking is extremely limited: one single-car pullout before the trailhead and a small area for several cars beyond. Road 6510 to the trailhead is passable for passenger cars. The Wenatchee River Ranger District trail crew cleared the lower Basalt Ridge trail in 2023, reopening access to Basalt Peak via Minnow Creek after several years of closure.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“From the trailhead I went up the steep and often brushy trail and eventually connected with the Basalt Ridge trail and went right.”
Last report: Oct 31, 2024
Scorecard
Low traffic even in summer. Most visitors are passing through en route to Basalt Peak or deeper wilderness.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Brushy trail sections
- Steep grade with potential for slippery footing
Getting There
Extremely limited. One pull-out before the trailhead fits 1 car, another area past the trailhead fits several. No turnaround for 2 miles past the trailhead.
Take Road 6510 to the Basalt Pass trailhead. Road is passable for all cars. The trail climbs steeply from the start with no warmup. Turn right at the pass for Basalt Ridge/Peak, left for Rock Creek.
Recent Reports
Fun hike up to the summit of Basalt Peak via Basalt Pass. The trail is in great shape, with nary a blowdown all the way up to just below the summit proper, where the Basalt Ridge trail drops down.
Just thought I'd put this out there that there is a tree over the road about 5ish or more miles from the trailhead.
Road 6510 to the Basalt Pass trailhead is in good condition and should be ok for all cars. From the trailhead I went up the steep and often brushy trail and eventually connected with the Basalt Ridge trail and went right.
Similar Hikes
