Quick-and-dirty version
Access: West Fork Buttermilk Trailhead
Round Trip: 26.1 miles
Elevation Range: 3920′-8267′
Gear: helmet
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: on the trail
Approach
- Hike to half a mile before Fish Creek Pass and leave the trail.
- Climb Buttermilk Ridge from the southern slopes to reach the summit.
- Back on the trail, continue up to Fish Creek Pass and down to Summit Trail.
- Follow the trail uphill to reach the ridgetop.
- Move southwest on the crest to reach the summit Baldy Mountain.
- Go south on the ridgeline over 7618 and drop down to Surprise Lake Trail (#1249).
- Head west to the Indian Head Trail junction and then up through Finney Lakes.
- Climb Finney Peak from the west gully to reach the summit.
- Reverse the route back to the trailhead.
Highlights
- Expansive views Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness
- Impressive views of high points along the long-running Sawtooth Ridge
- Meeting one other hiker at Star Lake
- Sunshine and solitude
Lowlights
- A long way to Finney Peak
- Mosquitoes by Star Lake
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