Old Gib
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A rarely traveled high ridge connecting Estes Butte to Carne Mountain through deep backcountry solitude.
About This Trail
Old Gib is a 9.8-mile connector trail along a high ridge between Estes Butte and Carne Mountain in the Chiwawa River backcountry. There is no dedicated trailhead; access requires first hiking 2.5 miles up the Estes Butte Trail. The route traverses through subalpine forest and open meadows at around 6,000 feet, with views extending to the Entiat Mountains and Glacier Peak. Expect overgrown sections and downed trees, as maintenance is infrequent.
Most parties use Old Gib as part of a multi-day loop connecting Estes Butte, the ridgeline, Carne Mountain, and Rock Creek Trail. The 2016 trip report captures it well: "not seeing a soul the entire loop, nice meadows on the Rock Creek trail, and magnificent views from Carne Mountain and the ridges." Route-finding skills are essential, particularly around Rampart Mountain and 5th of July Pass where the trail becomes faint.
This is deep-backcountry travel for self-sufficient hikers. Water sources are scarce on the ridge. The Basalt Pass trail is straightforward to Rampart Mountain, but navigation becomes more challenging beyond. Plan for a 2-3 day trip and bring detailed maps. The reward is genuine solitude in high-quality mountain terrain that sees perhaps a handful of parties per year.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The beauty: not seeing a soul the entire loop, nice meadows on the Rock Creek trail, and magnificent views from Carne Mountain and the ridges.”
Last report: Sep 15, 2024
Scorecard
Virtually no traffic. Only 13 trip reports on WTA spanning nearly two decades. Expect complete solitude.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Route-finding required, especially around Rampart Mountain and 5th of July Pass
- Overgrown sections with fallen trees
- Scarce water on the ridge
- No dedicated trailhead, requires approach hike
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Access via Estes Butte trailhead. No fee. Small pullout.
Plan for 2-3 days minimum. Start at Estes Butte trailhead and allow time for the 2.5-mile approach hike before reaching the Old Gib trail junction.
Recent Reports
Writing on October 6 to share some information about a hike we completed September 15. So the information here may not be perfectly up-to-date, but the non-Carne trails I tagged have no trip reports since August 2022 or 23, so some of this information might be useful.
TL;DR Trail Report: Basalt Pass trail easy to follow to Rampart Mountain, at which point you may want to consult the map occasionally until on the other side of 5th of July Pass. Clear from there to Larch Lakes.
This was a two-night backpack to visit Estes Butte Lookout Site, Estes Butte and follow the abandoned trail out to Old Gib Mtn. This trail eventually goes all the way to Carne Mtn.
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