Backpacking Guide: Spider Meadows and Phelps Basin

Wandering Washingtonian
Jul 15, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Apr 29, 2020

Trail Details

This trail has been on our bucket list to complete for a few years, so we were beyond elated when the opportunity arose to do it as a backpack this summer.

The final 3 miles of the forest road to the Phelps Creek Trailhead are rough, to say the least. The last 2 miles are somewhat like driving on a hard, sandy riverbed. We would highly recommend attempting this with high clearance vehicles only. Before the road turns right and ascends the last 2 miles, there is a place where a few vehicles can park, and either hitch a ride up or hike to the trailhead.

When we arrived at the Phelps Creek trailhead, we had to park about a quarter mile down the road from the trail head since there were many cars. In hindsight, there seemed to be more cars than people on the trail, so you will be able to find your piece of solitude, even if you have to park a quarter mile from the trailhead.

The quick 5.5 miles to Spider Meadows is a gentle accent through a forest, across streams, and past small meadows. As you get closer to the premier meadow, the views of the surrounding mountains are awe-inspiring. You will start to see campsites as you stumble upon the signs for the “toilet.” There are several campsites in the forest before you enter the meadow. The weekend we were there, several tent set up on the banks along the river. However, it is important not to damage the vegetation when setting up camp. (If you are feeling particularly spry, there are two other campsites about 1 mile past the start of the meadow before the Spider Gap and Phelps Basin trail spur.)

The meadow views are absolutely incredible -- a beautiful alpine meadow surrounded breathtaking mountain peaks (see photo essay below :) ). You will definitely be enticed to explore the area. We would highly recommend setting up camp and day-hiking up to Phelps Basin. The basin is approximately 1.5 miles past the entrance to Spider Meadows. There are more streams to cross along this path, especially in early season, including a Phelps Creek crossing. We attempted to cross this creek in the evening we arrived to the meadows; however, it was a bit too high to cross without poles. Our morning attempt was successful!

After you cross Phelps Creek, you will start to climb up through a forest until you reach the Spider Gap and Phelps Basin split, hang a right and you will enter the splendid basin in about a quarter of a mile. Enjoy your spectacular surroundings and watch the marmots!

Fun side note: If you are looking for a fabulous place to stop for lunch/dinner after your hike, check out 59er Diner near the US 2/ WA 207 intersection. They have delicious shakes and burgers.

Camping and PerMits:

No reservation is needed ahead of time
Please stick to already impacted sites as the meadows are very fragile
Most sites are located at the beginning of the meadow but these can fill up quickly on Saturday
We saw three sites located between Spider meadow and Phelps Basin

Why Choose this Hike

Beautiful meadow, wildflowers are abundant during peak seaon
Gentle ascent to the final destination, which makes for a quick, easy descent
Great tent sites

Why go Somewhere Else

Road conditions, highly recommend high clearance vehicles
This would be a challenging day hike
Lots of creek crossings which can be challenging especially earlier in the season during snowmelt

Reminders:

There were several campers with campfires in the meadows, however, campfires are prohibited beyond 4,000ft. The sign at the trailheads states that the meadows are at 4,800ft. Therefore, fires are not allowed in the meadows. Please respect our wilderness, and follow these regulations.
There are campgrounds on the forest road to the trail head, if you are interested in camping before/after you hike this trail.
In general this hike is best from mid July to September but check recent trip reports to assess snow and river conditions