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Buckskin Ridge

North Cascades > Pasayten
48.7323, -120.6683 Map & Directions
Length
33.4 miles, roundtrip
Highest Point
7,300 feet

Trail closed: Buckskin Ridge trail is closed north of Silver Creek to Robinson Creek junction due to wildfire activity

  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Lakes
  • Ridges/passes

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

Alpine lakes, high ridge traverses, wildflower-filled meadows, and a stroll along the Pasayten River await hikers who elect to visit the Buckskin Ridge Trail. Continue reading

Rating
3.50 out of 5

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Hiking Buckskin Ridge

Follow the trail through wildflower-studded alpine meadows for 4.7 miles until you arrive at Silver Lake. When in season, Indian paintbrush, yellow aster, lupine, and many other flowers bob their heads alongside babbling brooks. If you visit in fall, golden larches add their luster to the landscape.

Past Silver Lake, the trail dips down to 5800 feet and then climbs up to Silver Pass along the east flanks of Pasayten Peak. From here, the trail becomes difficult for stock and is primitive as it continues to climb, traversing the west side of Buckskin Ridge. Exercise caution along this section of trail.

After rounding the west side of a high knob, begin climbing to a high point of 7300 feet before heading down to Buckskin Lake, 3.1 miles from Silver Pass. This long lake makes a lovely backcountry campsite or just a quick place for a dip before continuing on downhill 5.7 miles to reach the Pasayten River. The first mile of trail past Buckskin Lake is primitive, but the rest of the route to the river is an easy enough trail.

From here, it’s possible to proceed another 1.3 miles along the trail through the valley to a junction with the Tattoosh Buttes Trail and the West Fork Pasayten trail, both of which offer many more miles of roaming in this wild country.

This trail is part of WTA's Lost Trails Campaign. Learn more about how we're saving lost trails across the state here.

WTA worked here in 2018, 2017, 2013, 2007 and 2005!

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Buckskin Ridge

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.7323, -120.6683 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

Trail closed: Buckskin Ridge trail is closed north of Silver Creek to Robinson Creek junction due to wildfire activity

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Mazama on Hwy 20, follow the Lost River Rd 7 miles and turn right to stay on NF-5400. Continue on NF-5400 for another 12 miles, and reach the parking area and trailhead on the hairpin turn on your right.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Pasayten

Buckskin Ridge (#498)

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District

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Buckskin Ridge

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