Horseshoe Basin
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.
getting there
From Tonasket, turn left onto the Loomis Highway. Arrive at Loomis in 16 miles and turn right onto County Road 9425. In 2 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 39 and stay on this road for about 14 miles. Find a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. Continue on this rough road for about 6 miles to the trailhead (6,160 ft).
on the trail
The trail starts high and stays high with up to 7,600 ft elevation. 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.
Easy Scrambles
- Pick Peak (7,620 ft)
- Arnold Peak (8,076 ft)
- Rock Mountain (7,617 ft)
- Armstrong Mountain (8,106 ft)
- Windy Peak (8,334 ft): one of Washington's highest summits that can be accessed by a trail.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Scrambling
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Length: 19.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,400 ft
- 7,600 ft
-
Land Manager:
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
Pasayten Wilderness, Tonasket Ranger District (OWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Horseshoe Basin No. 21
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Horseshoe Basin Boundary Trail
- Horseshoe Basin (Pasayten)
- Horseshoe Basin & Windy Peak
- Horseshoe Basin & Windy Peak (Pasayten)
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