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Esmeralda Basin Trail #1394
The Esmeralda Basin Trail begins at the Esmeralda Trailhead at the end of Forest Service Road 9737 and ends at Fortune Creek Jeep Trail #4W301 heading to Gallagher Head Lake.
From the trailhead, the trail heads up a steep slope along the river for about 0.5 mile and intersects with the Ingalls Way Trail 1390. Beyond the junction, the trail grade moderates as the trail goes on into Esmeralda Basin through meadows and groups of trees. There are some switchbacks along the trail as it continues upwards. Past the junction with County Line Trail 1226.2 (formerly a part of 1394 which heads north towards Lake Ann), the trail goes over a ridge and then down a series of switchbacks into the south fork of Fortune Creek, where it ends at the junction with Fortune Creek Jeep Trail.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | June - October |
|---|---|
| Fees: | $5/vehicle/day or Northwest Forest Pass, or Interagency Pass required at trailhead. Discover Pass not valid on National Forest lands. |
| Open Season: | Late June - Late October |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Best Season: | August to early October |
| Busiest Season: | August to early October |
| Restrictions: | Motorized use prohibited. E-Bikes (with full electric motor power or pedal assist) are not allowed. |
| Closest Towns: | Cle Elum |
General Information
Directions:Access from Esmeralda Trailhead
Parking:
Facilities include lot and roadside parking, stock ramps, toilet, picnic tables.
No trailer turnaround available beyond DeRoux Horsecamp.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Trail does much vertical climbing, expect hike-a-bike and near technical riding.
| Difficulty Level: | More to Most Difficult |
|---|
Day Hiking
Combine with Boulder-DeRoux Trail #1392 for a well known loop hike.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
Fine backpacking opportunities with a loop opportunity combining Lake Ann, camping possibilities in upper De Roux basin, and/or Gallagher Head Lake.
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
|---|
Horse Riding
De Roux Campground is a horse camp with steel poles to attach highlines. From there connect to Esmeralda Basin Trail via a trail paralleling the North Fork Teanaway River. Good opportunities exist to loop back via Boulder/De Roux Trail #1392 passing Gallagher Head Lake.