Basalt Ridge — Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023

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.