West Fork Pasayten River — Wednesday, Sep. 4, 2024

The West Fork was a jumping off point today into the realms unknown. Simply getting to the 7370’ trailhead can be a challenge! We spent a lovely night at the Meadows campground nearby which really made the early start possible.

The trail has good tread though the underlying rock is quite chossy which can make it slick in spots. Bluebird skies, crimson red berry-bush leaves, and lush greenery made for spectacular scenery. Our first objective of the day was somewhat diminutive peak named Haystack.

The going wasn’t hard though a knowledge of topography, krumholtz navigation, and the willingness to trust loose shale were required. Views deeper into the Paysayten inspired future trips, low-bush blueberries slowed our progress, and as always remnant FS signs and abandoned trails piqued our interests.

After Haystack we descended into the Middle Fork Paysayten drainage. Though late in the season we were thrilled with blooming wildflowers and the occasional rivulet. We eventually wound our way up to Slate Pass and then up the road to our car.