Robinson Creek (Middle Fork Pasayten River)

Officially named Robinson Creek, the Middle Fork Pasayten River trail is loved by locals and visitors alike for its big trees, path alongside the wild river, and access into the central Pasayten Wilderness.

The entire Robinson Creek Trail 478 is 23 miles one-way, with spring access from the trailhead (Robinson Creek – South). The section north of Robinson Pass, described here as the Robinson Creek - Middle Fork Pasayten Trail, has shorter access in the summer and fall from Slate Pass. 

Start on the Buckskin Ridge Trail for 0.9 mile and then the Whistler Cutoff Trail for 3.1 miles to its junction with the Middle Fork Pasayten Trail 478, elevation 5280 feet.  At this location in the upper valley, the remote Pasayten calls.

To the south is a mostly forested 1.2 mile climb to Robinson Pass, elevation 6220 feet.  Along the way, enjoy a few flowered meadows and views across the valley.  From the pass, options include off-trail roaming toward Devil’s Peak, looping back to Slate Pass via the Robinson Pass Loop, or continuing down the valley on the Robinson Creek - South trail to its trailhead.

Back at the junction of Whistler Cutoff and  Middle Fork Pasayten, going north leads to many options for days of travel and exploration in the Pasayten Wilderness.  The trail descends the forested Middle Fork Pasayten and then Pasayten River valleys for 11.6 miles to its north end junction with the Boundary Trail - Pasayten (Pacific Northwest Trail - Pasayten Traverse), elevation 4280 feet.  (Note: The northern 4 miles has areas impacted by the 2006 Tatoosh Fire.)

Some of the options leave the Middle Fork Pasayten Trail at these distances from the junction of Whistler Cutoff and Middle Fork Pasayten trails.

0.5 mile - Ferguson Lake, via the Eureka Creek and Ferguson Lake trails

4.8 miles - Fred’s Lake & Lake Doris via the Eureka Creek Trail

5.7 miles – Informal built trail up to Buckskin Lake (fords river) & loop back to Slate Pass

9.6  miles - Tatoosh Buttes & on to the Hidden Lakes area

10.2 miles – Junction with north end of Buckskin Ridge Trail & loop back to Slate Pass

10.5 miles – Junction with West Fork Pasayten River Trail & loop back to Slate Peak Trailhead

                or loop back to PCT trailhead via Rock Creek

11.2 miles – Historic Pasayten airstrip & cabin south of junction with Boundary Trail - Pasayten

Happy Exploring...