Esmeralda Basin

So last year in 2007 Mark and I did some exploration of an area north of Cle Elum up near the Stuart Range. Fantastic area up the N. Fork of the Teanaway river called the Esmeralda Basin. The valley hike was gradual up to the top and once you got above the timber line the views were spectacular. Looking back down the valley reminds me of shots similar to Yosemite. You might see a resemblence. Some horse traffic up in this area and the place is littered with trails. Water later in the season is scarce, especially up near the top.

Mark and I were so happy with this choice in hikes that we vowed to research more of it. The following weekend we came back and this time Karine came with us. She had a ball. It was a great day and don't do what I did - I forgot the inserts for my boots. So I had to do the hike in my tennis shoes (provided by North Face).















Karine gets her first "near" summit. And then we pose for a picture.

Mark and I take a moment to frame in this shot.

One of the views from the top looking in the direction of Leavenworth. We plan to explore more of this region this year doing some backpacking. Stay tuned for more. -Eric