Buckskin Ridge Trail

Buckskin Ridge Trail is a long ridge-focused hike in Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness (trail #498) that alternates between subalpine forest and above-timberline terrain. The route passes two lakes and crosses two passes before descending to the Pasayten River.

The most common way in starts at Slate Pass Trailhead (6,900 ft). The forest-service route to the trailhead uses Hart’s Pass Road, and the Slate Pass access is noted as having limited parking at the trailhead.

On the route, the trail follows wildflower-filled alpine meadows for the opening approach to Silver Lake, then dips and climbs to Silver Pass along Pasayten Peak’s east flanks. Past Silver Pass the terrain becomes more primitive as it continues climbing and traversing the west side of Buckskin Ridge.

From the Silver Pass area, the trail heads down toward Buckskin Lake (arriving after a 3.1-mile run from Silver Pass in the common description). Buckskin Lake is a key campsite stop and a practical waypoint before the final push down to the Pasayten River.

Near the start of the route, there’s a cut-off at about 0.5 mile that connects to the Robinson Creek–Middle Fork Trail (#478). That linkage is used to build loop trips using the Middle Fork and West Fork drainages rather than a simple out-and-back.

For planning, expect a backcountry permit requirement for entering the Pasayten Wilderness and weed-free hay rules for certified, weed-free hay on national forest lands (with processed grains permitted).

More information: Visitor information, training hike: buckskin ridge in the pasayten wilderness, Buckskin Ridge, Robinson Creek (Middle Fork Pasayten ...