Horseshoe Basin, Albert Camp & Deer Park — Saturday, Jun. 21, 2014

North Cascades > Pasayten

A long and lovely day in a loop from Iron Gate Trailhead, up the Boundary Trail (#533) to Sunny Pass, and then up the west slope of Horseshoe Mtn. to the summit (7935'), and then down the south ridge on the Albert Camp Trail (#375), which has to be one of the most beautiful and pleasurable hikes in the whole Pasaytens, to eventually join Deer Park trail (#341) and head west to join #533 again, and the short walk back to the trailhead. Total time just under 9 hours, 15 miles and over 2500' elevation gains. Lovely weather with wonderful views in all directions, and plenty of water, and only the occasional snow patch to cross up high. Our only complaint (besides the neglected 6 mile road in to Iron Gate) is the condition of the amazing Albert Camp trail in the Deer Park area, and the 2.5 mile trail #341 leading back to the west which had numerous blow downs, and showed neglect of at least a couple of years. These tails are worth walking just to keep them alive, but need a little TLC, especially if anyone expects to use a horse on them again. The day was so nice we just couldn't stop at Sunny Pass, and instead added on at least 5 miles and 1500' vertical gain on the return trip. Pema the World's Fittest Pug did the whole thing without a single complaint, while Luna the Lunatic Lab must have run 50 miles to our 15...