The Robinson Creek - Middle Fork Trail (Trail #478) is a classic Pasayten Wilderness route that follows the forested Robinson Creek drainage for 11 miles before climbing to Robinson Pass (6,220 ft) and descending into the Middle Fork Pasayten River valley. The 22-mile point-to-point trek (or 40+ mile out-and-back) is known for its old-growth forest, rushing creeks, alpine meadows near Robinson Pass, and side trips to Fred's Lake, Lake Doris, and other alpine destinations. Solitude comes easily here; this is one of Washington's most remote areas.
The route suits backpackers looking for moderate difficulty with good scenery: long days through forested valleys broken up by meadows, plus a hard climb to Robinson Pass. It can be hiked as an out-and-back from Robinson Creek Trailhead or as a through-hike starting at Slate Pass (northern access via the Buckskin Ridge and Whistler Cutoff trails) and ending at Robinson Creek Trailhead. Loops are possible by connecting with the Boundary Trail and other Pasayten routes. Wildlife sightings may include deer, moose, mountain goats, lynx, and black bears. The area sees light use compared to North Cascades National Park trails.
A free self-issue wilderness permit is required at the trailhead; there is no reservation or quota system. Fill out the permit at the trailhead kiosk before entering the Pasayten Wilderness.
Food Storage (Effective Sept 2024): The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest now requires bear-resistant food storage forestwide through June 2029. You must either: (1) use an IGBC-approved bear canister (recommended, since most Pasayten trees have short branches that make hanging difficult), (2) hang food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any vertical support, or (3) store it in a hard-sided vehicle at trailheads. Ursack Major and AllMitey models are also approved.
Parking: Robinson Creek Trailhead requires a $5 day-use fee (digital payment only via the Recreation.gov app) or display of a valid Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year) or America the Beautiful pass. No cash accepted.
Other regulations: Group size limits, Leave No Trace principles, and weed-free feed requirements for stock apply. Campfires are permitted but not recommended in alpine areas. Check for seasonal fire restrictions.
Official info: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Pasayten Wilderness
Optimal: Mid-July through September
The Robinson Creek trailhead sits at a relatively low elevation (around 3,000 ft), so this is one of the earlier-accessible Pasayten routes. Robinson Pass at 6,220 feet and the side trips to alpine lakes may hold snow into mid-July, though.
July: The valley sections are typically snow-free by early to mid-July, but expect possible snow patches near Robinson Pass and at higher elevations. Creeks run high with snowmelt, so ford crossings can be difficult and cold. Mosquitoes and biting flies are at their worst. Wildflowers peak in the meadows near the pass.
August: Prime time for most backpackers. Snow is gone from the high routes, water sources are still reliable, and bugs taper off after early August (though deer flies and horse flies can persist in sheltered areas). Nights get cooler. Book early August for the best balance of conditions and fewer bugs.
September: Excellent weather with crisp nights, minimal bugs, and strong fall colors (larches turn gold at Fred's Lake and other alpine areas). Water sources begin to dwindle, so check conditions before your trip. Days are shorter. Nights can dip below freezing.
October: Shoulder season with good fall colors but a high risk of early snow, very cold nights, and limited water. Only for experienced backpackers prepared for winter conditions.
Snow season: Trails are snow-covered from October through May. High western-side trails may not melt out until early August in heavy snow years. Eastern Pasayten trails typically clear by early July.
Water is generally abundant from early summer through mid-August, but late-season trips (September-October) require careful planning as sources become unreliable.
Water sources: - Robinson Creek parallels the trail for the first 11 miles; reliable year-round, but treat all water - Middle Fork Pasayten River, reliable through summer - Bunker Hill Creek and other tributary crossings (some seasonal) - Pasayten Guard Station has a water spigot (subject to availability) - Alpine lakes off Trail #478: Fred's Lake, Lake Doris (side trips via Eureka Creek Trail) - Late summer/fall: Some smaller creeks dry up; plan to carry 2-3 liters between sources and check recent trip reports
Resupply: No resupply on-trail. This is a remote wilderness with no services.
Nearest town: Winthrop, WA (15 miles east via Highway 20, then Lost River Road). Services include: - Grocery: Full-service grocery stores in Winthrop and Mazama (14 miles from Winthrop) - Gear: Cascades Outdoor Store (222 Riverside Ave, Winthrop) - Lodging: Multiple options in Winthrop, North Cascades Mountain Hostel (209 Castle Ave, Winthrop) - Restaurants, gas, basic supplies
Mazama (closer to the trailhead) has Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies (holds resupply packages for a $10 fee) and a grocery store.
River/creek crossings: Multiple knee-deep fords, particularly difficult during high water (June-early July). Failed bridges at some crossings force hikers to ford in potentially unsafe conditions with strong currents and shifting rocks. Use trekking poles, unbuckle pack straps, and cross in the early morning when water is lowest.
Navigation: Trail conditions vary dramatically. Well-maintained sections alternate with areas hit by fire and blowdowns. Some stretches have 100+ blowdowns per mile, especially between the Ashnola River and Pasayten Guard Station. Carry maps, compass, and GPS. Trails in fire-damaged areas may be obstructed and difficult to follow.
Wildlife: Black bears are common, so proper food storage is mandatory. Signs of grizzly bears exist, though sightings are extremely rare. Lynx, gray wolves, and moose are present. Make noise in dense forest and know how to respond to wildlife encounters.
Isolation: This is extremely remote wilderness. Cell service is nonexistent, and the nearest help is many miles away. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator and tell someone your itinerary.
Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer, and Robinson Pass and the alpine areas are exposed to lightning. Start early and descend before the afternoon buildup. Nights can be cold even in August; prepare for temperatures in the 30s-40s F.
Insects: Mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, and horse flies can be relentless from late June through early August, particularly in sheltered forested sections and near water. Bring bug spray, a head net, and permethrin-treated clothing. Consider delaying trips until late August for fewer bugs.
Trail maintenance: Annual maintenance happens on popular routes, but many trails are unmaintained. Expect rough sections and plan extra time for navigation and blowdown scrambling.
Robinson Creek Trailhead (southern access):
From Winthrop, WA: 1. Drive 15 miles west on Highway 20 2. Turn right onto Lost River Road (County Road 9140) 3. Drive 0.5 miles and turn left to continue on Lost River Road 4. Drive 7.5 miles on pavement 5. Continue 1.25 miles on gravel Forest Road 5400 6. Robinson Creek Trailhead is on the right
Facilities: Vault toilet, picnic table, trailhead sign. Parking for multiple vehicles.
Road conditions: Lost River Road/FR 5400 is generally passable for 2WD vehicles to Robinson Creek Trailhead. FR 5400 becomes rougher beyond it, and high clearance is recommended for routes continuing toward Harts Pass. No trailers allowed on FR 5400 beyond certain points (June 1-Dec 31).
Slate Pass Trailhead (northern access):
From Mazama: Drive north on Lost River Road (FR 5400) for 9 miles, turn right and continue climbing toward Harts Pass for 8.7 miles. This section is very rugged, narrow, and suitable for high-clearance vehicles only. The road typically opens July-October depending on snow.
Nearest airports: - Pangborn Memorial Airport (Wenatchee): ~100 miles, served by Horizon Air from Seattle (3 flights/day) - Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac): ~250 miles, 4-5 hour drive
Shuttles: Methow Motion is the only USFS-permitted shuttle service for Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest trailheads. Contact: (509) 996-2894, reservations@methowmotion20.com. They provide trailhead drop-offs/pick-ups and airport shuttles to Wenatchee.
Getting from airport: Fly to Wenatchee via Horizon Air, then take a shuttle or rental car (1.5-2 hours to Winthrop). Or rent a car at Sea-Tac and drive; an early morning start gets you to Mazama the same day.
Camp selection: Dispersed camping is allowed throughout. Prime sites near Robinson Pass look out over the u-shaped Middle Fork valley. Camps near Pasayten Guard Station (an old airstrip clearing with facilities) are convenient but less scenic. For solitude, push beyond the guard station. The alpine camps near Fred's Lake (side trip) are the standouts: emerald water surrounded by golden larches in September.
Timing strategy: Start early to cross creeks during low water (early morning) and avoid afternoon thunderstorms near Robinson Pass. If using the northern access via Slate Pass, note that Harts Pass Road often doesn't open until July due to snow.
Bug avoidance: Seriously consider hiking after mid-August to avoid the worst bugs. Early August trips should pack a head net, high-DEET repellent, and permethrin-treated gear. Camp in breezy, exposed areas when possible.
Historical interest: Watch for the ruins of Billy Robinson's old trapper cabins along the drainage, a reminder of the area's early settlement history.
Side trip gems: Don't miss Fred's Lake and Lake Doris (4.8 miles via the Eureka Creek Trail from the Whistler Cutoff junction). Fred's Lake has incredibly green water and larch-filled basins. The climb is steep (1,500 ft gain) but worth it. Lake Doris sits on a ridge with commanding valley views.
Check conditions: Call the Methow Valley Ranger District before your trip for current trail conditions, snow levels, and blowdown updates. Early season and fire years can dramatically affect trail passability. Recent trip reports on Washington Trails Association are invaluable.
Loop options: Combine with the Buckskin Ridge Trail, Whistler Cutoff, and Boundary Trail for multi-day loops ranging from 30-60+ miles. The Pasayten has endless route combinations for hikers with strong navigation skills.
Pack weight: This remote area rewards light packing, but don't skimp on safety gear: emergency shelter, first aid, navigation tools, and satellite communication are essential. A bear canister adds weight but is the most practical food storage option given the tree conditions.
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