Basin Lakes Trail

Basin Lakes Trail is an out-and-back from Basin Trailhead on West Fork Road, climbing through forest to Lower and Upper Basin Lakes. The Forest Service lists Upper Lake 4 miles from the start, so the full return is about 8 miles. The mapped tread is 3.66 miles one way; route listings range from about 7.3 to 8 miles round trip, so treat 8 as a rounded planning figure. Expect a steady climb of more than 2,000 feet and allow about 4½ to 5 hours. At this elevation it is a hard half-day, with most of the reward near the end. Lower Basin Lake makes a shorter turnaround at about 5 miles round trip; Basin Creek Falls is a much shorter outing.

At the trailhead, follow signs for #61; the Basin Spur #61A branches toward the Silver Run Trail. The first mile climbs roughly 700 feet, with Basin Creek nearby. Basin Creek Falls is about half a mile in. The route then leaves the creek and later returns to it. At the crossing, look for the trail continuing on the opposite bank. Hikers sometimes miss this spot, and the crossing can be harder when the water is high. Visitors describe a log crossing, but the water level varies, so do not count on a dry or easy step across.

Lower Basin Lake sits about 2½ miles from the trailhead. It is shallow and partly covered in lily pads, with forest around the shore. This is a sensible place to turn back if you want the lake scenery without the final climb. Weathered cabin remains lie along the approach, reported around 2.1 miles from the start; their date and occupants have not been established.

From Lower Lake, the trail climbs another 1½ miles through dense forest to Upper Basin Lake. The upper lake is deeper, and brook trout are reported there. The western end looks toward Silver Run Plateau and a snowfield below it. From the shore, include the water in the foreground to show the lake against the plateau; there is no named viewpoint to seek out.

The trail is part of the National Recreation Trail system. A 1979 designation record describes it as following routes used for horse logging in the early 1900s. The cabin remains add a visible trace of older use, although there is no verified date or name attached to them. The lower lake's lily pads and the high basin at the upper lake give the two stops noticeably different character.

Basin Trailhead has ample parking and a vault toilet. From US 212, follow West Fork Road; after the signed fork, stay left and continue to the trailhead. The road is closed to vehicles from December 2 through April 14, so the trailhead cannot be reached by car during that period. No potable water or food service is listed at the trailhead or along the walk; carry what you need. Pets may accompany visitors and should remain under control, with pet waste packed out. Horses are allowed only during hunting season.