Fun hike up to the summit of Basalt Peak via Basalt Pass. The trail is in great shape, with nary a blowdown all the way up to just below the summit proper, where the Basalt Ridge trail drops down. Here the trail branches off to the right, and becomes a climbers path with a few trees down on the summit itself. I wandered down the ridge and found a better view, as the summit is in a burnt out trees area.On the way back down, I went over to another high point to the NE of the summit, which had some unobstructed views up the Chiwawa River Valley. There was a 1/4" of snow at the trailhead, and maybe a 1 1/2" of snow up on the north side of the summit , with a few bare spot that were in the direct sun(south side)

NF road 6210 is in pretty good shape. There are a few deep ruts forming down the middle of the road though. Not sure if these are going to get worse, or not. Up higher on the road, the vegetation on each side  was encroaching the road, as it was weighted down with snow. In the afternoon most had melted, so the encroaching vegetation wasn't that bad. Something to keep in mind of, especially with heavier snow.

Good hike with some great views. Started at 10:15 am and finished at 12:55pm 5.9 miles with 2372ft gain

Road 6510 to the Basalt Pass trailhead is in good condition and should be ok for all cars. From the trailhead I went up the steep and often brushy trail and eventually connected with the Basalt Ridge trail and went right. 

This ridge trail has some ups and downs, going in and out of burned areas, with lots of views and wildflowers. I accidentally took the spur trail down to the meadow camping area. 

Back on the ridge trail I connected with the Garland Peak trail. Coming up to the saddle and seeing the Devils  Smoke Stack was amazing!  

From here to Garland Peak was a bit challenging. The trail starts off good but then disappears and was not much to follow. Using GPS and Gaia I took off from where the trail showed on Gaia and headed from there to approx. SW direction from the summit. I picked my way through trees, dirt patches and some snow which was easy to cross with no scary runouts. 

This is a great hike to a beautiful high alpine area with pumice basins, steep meadows covered with wildflowers, larches and amazing views!

11 miles, 8 hours, 4,400’ gain. 

I hiked the Finner Tie Trail from the Finner Creek Campground off the Chiwawa River Road, up to the Basalt Ridge Trail, where I made a left turn. 

The trail from here to Basalt Peak goes in and out of burn areas. But much work has done by trail crews lately and the trail is in great shape! Thank you!!

Lots of views along the way from the burned areas, at the summit and at Basalt Ledges, where I hiked to on the way down. 

13 miles, 3,800’, 6.5 hours. 

Headed here for a pre-Thanksgiving hike. Chiwawa River Road was icy/minimal snow. Parked at Finner Creek CG and hiked up. Trail only had a couple blowdowns (thanks to all those who cleared the trail in September!) and a scattering of snow, which became an inch or two on the final switchbacks. We cut up the last switchback as suggested by the previous trip report. It opens up at around 4240 feet with lovely views of the valley, the Chiwawa river, and Buck Peak. We expected to quickly finish our hike to the viewpoint on the Ledges, but the snow was much deeper in the trees--at least 1 foot. Although flat, it was slow going and we turned around 0.3 miles past the junction with the Basalt Peak trail. Until more snow falls, should be doable if you get an earlier start than we did :) We headed back to the lovely views on the last switchback shortcut and had a lunch break with sweeping views and sun on a fallen log. Saw no one all day.

Access to Basalt Peak via Minnow Creek Trail and Basalt Ridge Trail is open again after several years of being inaccessible.  Lower Basalt Ridge (Finner Tie) trail is cleared except for the second to top switchback below the ridge - its possible to go overland between the switchbacks without too much trouble until it gets finished out.  The viewpoint access off of Basalt Ridge Trail was also opened up.  WRRD trail crew put in a solid couple days of work - 4 saws 2 swampers and 8 gallons of saw gas clearing between 2500 - 3000 trees on Minnow, Finner and Basalt Ridge.  Heavy ceanothus brush and lodgepole reprod were slashed as much as possible - the trail still needs a tune up with brush cutters and a tread crew, but it is entirely hikeable and bikeable for those with an adventurous spirit.  The trail is not currently recommended as passable to stock- there are several places where root-wads have pulled out leaving steep holes, places to punch hooves through and drop-offs, especially on Minnow Creek Tr, however those with good animals and handling skills can likely make it up. 

If looking to go up to Basalt Peak, I recommend heading for the old lookout site that is just east of what is marked as "Basalt Peak" - the trees are cleared and the unobstructed views of Rock Creek and the Trinity Mountains are great from up there.  Basalt Pass Trail was cleared by public and is passable, though steep.  If taking a bike up there, expect to be pushing it until reaching the ridge.