Hikes/United States/Washington State/Wenatchee National Forest

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

867 m

Distance

10.3 km

Duration

4-6h

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Carne Mountain Basin Hike

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Route description
Getting there
Route information
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Looking for those perfect golden larches? Carne Mountain Basin sees the majority of its yearly traffic in the autumn due to the density of larches along the trail. This hike is 12.4 km long and is considered hard. You can either do this as a day trip to set up camp in the basin. Expect light traffic during most of the summer and heavier traffic in the fall season.

If you want to bag the summit of Carne Mountain, check out our route guide.

Route Description for Carne Mountain Basin Hike

Carne Mountain Basin is a splendid hike, especially when the larches are golden. Expect many more users than normal in the autumn, making an early start in the fall highly recommended. Some sections of the trail can be muddy or snowy in late season, so microspikes and poles might be helpful to have.

The hike starts at the Phelps Creek Trailhead and takes you through switchbacks for about 4.0 km, mostly in the forest initially. Gaining around 305 m with each mile, it’s a consistent and solid ascent. The views open up as you reach the basin, where you’ll likely find campers. Revel in the views here, then either continue up to the summit or turn back to start your descent.

Getting to the Carne Mountain Basin Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Carne Mountain Basin is at the Phelps Creek Trailhead at the end of Phelps Creek Trailhead Road.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
Carne Basin Camp
When to do:
March-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back