Trip Report
Buckskin Ridge/Middle Fork Pasayten River Loop
After hiking 2.25 miles down, we turned around due to excessive wildfire smoke.
Donna Rooke
- Wed, Sep 3, 2025
- Buckskin Ridge/Middle Fork Pasayten River Loop
- Backpacking
- Turned Around
-
- Road rough but passable
-
The intended route was Buckskin Ridge trailhead (just below Slate Peak trailhead), Buckskin Ridge Trail (498), to Robinson Creek Trail (478), to Whistler Cutoff Trail, then Buckskin Ridge trail to trailhead.
When we started out, the air quality was not bad.
This is a beautiful trail and area but the wildfire smoke got progressively worse and caused us to turn around.
After returning to our cars, we drove up to the Slate Peak Lookout parking area and hiked the short distance to the lookout. The expansive views were obscured by the smoke.
Smoky view from Slate Peak:
If you are in need of a campsite in the area, the Meadows Campground, near Harts Pass, is a convenient option. During this time, early September, there was a small stream adequate for filtering water, running through the campground.
This area is particularly beautiful in fall, when the larches are golden.
WARNING: Some people are very uneasy about the road to Harts Pass, and its sheer drop-offs. If taking someone up to these trails, please inform them of the road conditions. One person in my group announced she was never going to travel this road again.