Commonwealth Basin - Red Pass
Follow this route down abandoned trails up to a mountain pass for a unique view into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Total Distance: 8.8 miles
Total Ascent: 2400ft
Highest Point: 5400ft
Total Ascent: 2400ft
Highest Point: 5400ft
To get there, take I-90 to exit #52. Turn left under the freeway and take the first right. Follow the road to two large parking areas. The first is reserved for stock; -hikers should continue to the further parking lot and the trailhead. View Google Directions >>
From the trailhead, begin down the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 into mixed forest of fir and hemlock as the trail slowly climbs, crossing into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at the 0.4 mile mark. Wander through wildflowers and find increasingly better views of Commonwealth Basin and Snoqualmie Pass.
After 2.4 miles reach the connector trail that leads a few hundred feet down to the Commonwealth Basin Trail #1033. Veer down the connector trail into the basin and follow it deeper into the valley. Eventually reach end of the basin and begin a sharp up the base of Red Mountain toward Red Pass. After a number of steep switchbacks, attain a level shoulder at 3.9 miles where short spur trails lead down to Red Pond and up to the crown of Red Mountain.
Switchback upwards, pressing toward the pass to find ever-better views of Commonwealth Basin stretching out below. Reach Red Pass at the 4.4 mile markand note the junction signed “trail abandoned.” The climb to the pass is well worth the effort: the views here are spectacular. There's a lot more to Commonwealth - Red Mtn., and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide, and Hiking through History Washington: Exploring the Evergreen State's Past by Trail. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
After 2.4 miles reach the connector trail that leads a few hundred feet down to the Commonwealth Basin Trail #1033. Veer down the connector trail into the basin and follow it deeper into the valley. Eventually reach end of the basin and begin a sharp up the base of Red Mountain toward Red Pass. After a number of steep switchbacks, attain a level shoulder at 3.9 miles where short spur trails lead down to Red Pond and up to the crown of Red Mountain.
Switchback upwards, pressing toward the pass to find ever-better views of Commonwealth Basin stretching out below. Reach Red Pass at the 4.4 mile markand note the junction signed “trail abandoned.” The climb to the pass is well worth the effort: the views here are spectacular. There's a lot more to Commonwealth - Red Mtn., and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide, and Hiking through History Washington: Exploring the Evergreen State's Past by Trail. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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