Distance
7.0 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Esmeralda Basin Trail
7.0 mi roundtrip · 1,800 ft gain · Moderate · Esmeralda Basin
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
1,800 ft
Highest Point
6,100 ft
Trailhead Elevation
4,200 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Wildflower meadows
Fall larch color
Mountain views
Technical Notes
Beautiful basin hike through wildflower meadows and past old mining sites. Peak wildflowers in late July to early August. Fall larch color in late September to mid-October. Trail is well-maintained lower but becomes rough in the upper basin. Same trailhead as Lake Ingalls — very popular during larch season.
Getting There
Trailhead
Esmeralda Basin Trailhead
FR-9737 (Teanaway Rd), Cle Elum, WA
Parking: ~30 spaces
From Seattle
100 mi · 135 min drive
I-90 East to Exit 85. SR-970 to Teanaway Rd North Fork. Continue on FR-9737 to the trailhead. Last 10 miles is gravel.
Planning Details
Best Season
July through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Esmeralda Basin · 6,100 ft · Teanaway
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Esmeralda Basin zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
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