From Starvation Mountain, this trail heads north along the divide between the Methow and Okanogan valleys. Lots of up and down, we gained and lost 1680 feet each way on a 6 mile return hike along this ridge. The route weaves in and out of the big 2006 Tripod Fire burn. Excellent vistas on the high points.
   An old road going as far north as the head of Blue Buck Creek has now replaced much of the trail. You can still take the trail instead of the road by watching for where it angles down the hill off the road about 100 yards north of Point 6850. If you follow the road down the north side of Point 6850, be aware that it turns down into Blue Buck Creek at the next pass. If you want to stay on the Golden Stairway Trail, as you approach that pass watch for an unobstrusive foot path leading off to the right. Cairns mark both places where the trail leaves the road -- no signs.
   From this pass at the head of Blue Buck Creek, the trail becomes faint as it climbs steeply up to Point 6691. A few dirt bikes have cut off the switchbacks on this section, making the trail harder to find. The slope is open enough that you can pick your own way. A few snowmobile signs (red) also mark the general route.
   From Point 6691, with views as far east as Ferry County and north into British Columbia, the trail descends almost 600 feet into the next saddle. At this saddle the Golden Stairway Trail leaves the ridge and drops into West Fork Salmon Creek. An even fainter trail, shown on older Forest Service maps, stays on the divide and continues north to Old Baldy, five miles from Starvation Mountain.
   This trail is open to mountain bikes and dirt bikes. Mountain bikers make a loop: Starvation Mountain to Blue Buck to Lightning Creek and back to the road. They don't seem to go north of the pass at the head of Blue Buck Creek. A few dirt bikes have continued north, but their tracks suggest they are infrequent.
   A few blowdowns, but not caused a problem. Big snow patches on the north sides of all high points, with water in places, and soggy conditions around the head of Blue Buck Creek.