Buck Mountain (Winthrop)

getting there

Drive SR-20 to 0.13 mile west of Winthrop and turn north onto Westside Chewuch Road. Drive 6 miles  and turn left onto Cub Creek Road. Continue ~1.7 miles to the Cub Creek parking lot (2,600 ft).

ascent route

Walk back down the road around the bend over 1st Creek and onto 1st Creek Road. Stay on the road because this first stretch is through private property. At 0.75 mile, the road splits and presents two options.

The first option heads up and around the east ridge of Buck Mountain. Traverse this ridge top, bypassing some bumps as terrain allows. continue up this east ridge, intersecting the final north ridge of Buck. Turn left and ascend to the summit.

The second option continues up the valley, taking rights at the next two intersections, eventually meeting the valley head wall and heading upwards to meet the ridge of Option 1 at ~3,900 ft. Continue up this east ridge, intersecting the final north ridge of Buck. Turn left and ascend to the summit.

descent route

Descent options depend on energy, snow conditions, and method of travel. Snowshoers may wish to retrace their steps, or choose and alternate descent. Skiers or snowshoers may descend southwest to a Forest Road, following it down taking lefts at all intersections, and eventually reaching the groomed Cub Creek road. More advanced skiers may wish to carve turns directly down to the trailhead.

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: January, February, March, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski
• Length: 10.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
• High Point: 4,490 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Methow Valley Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12