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Buckskin Ridge/Middle Fork Pasayten River Loop

Enjoy a taste of the Pasayten Wilderness. Hike along the Pasayten River and Buckskin Ridge, visiting several lakes, enjoying amazing vistas, seeing golden larches in the fall, and finding solitude.

Getting There

Drive SR-20 to Mazama. In Mazama turn left onto Lost River Road (County Road 9140), continuing when it becomes Hart's Pass Road (Forest Service Road 5400), to Hart's Pass. At the Guard Station, turn right onto Forest Road 5400-600, and drive ~3.5 miles to the Slate Pass Trailhead (6,900 ft), the second switchback beyond the horse loading area.

On the Trail

Hike a loop trip that travels counter-clockwise north up the Middle Fork Pasayten Valley with side trips to high mountain lakes and then south on the magnificent Buckskin Ridge with several more sparkling lakes en route.

Suggested Itinerary


Day 1: Slate Pass Trailhood to Ferguson Lake, 7.5 miles, 2,000 feet of elevation gain, 1,801 feet of elevation loss.  Ford the Middle Fork Pasayten River.

Day 2: Ferguson Lake to Doris Lake, 8.3 miles 2,615 feet of elevation gain, 2,339 feet of elevation loss.

Day 3: Doris Lake to Point Creek Basin (just South of Buckskin Lake on Buckskin Ridge trail), 10.6 miles, 2,759 feet of elevation gain, 3,189 feet of elelvation loss. Ford the Middle Fork Pasayten River.

Day 4: Point Creek Basin to Slate Pass Trailhead, 11 miles, 3,331 feet of  elevation gain, 3,067 elevation loss.

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
  • Length: 38.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 10,700 ft
  • 7,000 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Methow Valley No. 51SX
  • Green Trails Pasayten Peak No. 18
  • Green Trails Washington Pass No. 50
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Middle Fork Pasayten River
  • West Fork Pasayten River
  • West & Middle Fork Pasayten River Loop
  • Pasyaten River Loop
  • Buckskin Ridge/Pasayten River Loop
  • Pacific Crest Trail/ Buckskin Ridge Loop
  • Pacific Crest Trail/Pasayten River Loop
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