Day Hike - Esmeralda Basin & Fortune Creek Pass

7:30 AM at North end (NW Maple St side) of Issaquah P&R (Exit 15 West off I-90)

LEADER'S UPDATE 07/02/2005: As of last Sunday (06/26/2005), there's no snow and plenty of wildflowers on this trail. Be prepared for any kind of weather (I've seen it anywhere from 90 degrees and scorching sun to pounding down hailstorms this time of year.) And it's always fun! July 9, Sat. - NEW MEMBERS SPECIAL - Esmerelda Basin and Fortune Creek Pass (M) (GT Mt Stuart), NWFP, 7 mi., 1750' gain. Social pace; NO FAST HIKERS, PLEASE. Hike through forest, past meadows of wildflowers, and up to a windswept saddle above tree line with views of distant peaks. Consider bringing gaiters in case snow lingers near saddle at Fortune Creek Pass. Meet 7:30 am at north end (NW Maple St side) of Issaquah P&R (Exit 15 West off I-90), 0.5 hrs. Hikers encouraged to contact hike leader, especially if new to hiking, the Northwest, or the Mountaineers. Jon Shields (jon.shields@quidnunc.net) 206-932-0857 (home), 206-979-0735 (cell). (s6/29-7/7) AL