Black Ridge, located south of War Creek Ridge by Battle Mountain, lies within the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The famous Sawtooth Ridge spans the south, overlooking Lake Chelan, the third deepest in the US. Additionally, the area’s 194 miles of trails provide access to high basins and glacial lakes.
See more trip photos here.
Check out these other Twin Peaks in the Cascades.
Black Ridge at a Glance
Access: War Creek Trailhead
Loop Trip: 39 miles
Elevation Range: 2600′-7686′
Essential Gear: helmet, snowshoes
Route Info: Brian Hill
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: with guidance
Playlist: Hopeful
Saturday, May 25
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3 > Day 4 > Day 5
War Creek Trail + Black Ridge North Ridge Camp @ 7000′
From the Gate to the Trailhead
As noted on the Washington Trails Association’s website, it was necessary to walk 1.5 miles from the gate to the trailhead. However, it would likely take several years for the Forest Service to repair the extensive damage. Just beyond the gate, we met three hikers who turned around after encountering downed trees past the trailhead. They had planned to go to Stehekin, but decided to try the Eagle Creek Trail approach instead.
The four to five significant washouts beyond the first road bend were still passable on foot. But the extended approach certainly added unplanned time to the trip without realizing it ahead of time. It seemed that the number of windfalls past that point had discouraged the hikers from continuing their original plan. But their report offered a glimpse of the trail conditions that lay ahead.
The Approach to the First Camp
The initial 1.25 miles of the War Creek Trail held the most and the worst of the debris on this trip. The path wound through an old burn from the 2018 Crescent Mountain Fire, with numerous windfalls and moderate brush. It was just enough rubble to be annoying. For now, this section requires much patience to navigate before it receives future maintenance. On the other hand, Connor handled the obstacles with great enthusiasm.
Things slowly improved as the forest unfolded before us. At mile 5.5, I decided to leave the trail, where we were closest to the water and the base of the ridge, with several downed logs over War Creek. Debris continued to sprinkle the valley floor, but with snow higher up, the long ridgeline provided a more direct route. Before long, we reached a flat area on the north shoulder of Black Ridge around 7000 feet. Then we set up camp on a patch of dry ground surrounded by snow and krummholtz.
Sunday, May 26
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3 > Day 4 > Day 5
Black Ridge + Sun Mountain Blue Grouse Basin Camp @ 6640′
A Short Climb on Black Ridge
The first part of day two involved traversing southeast on steep slopes to the south saddle around 7200 feet. Since the south ridge wasn’t conducive for scrambling, we scoped out a route via the southeast gully. The class 3 terrain then took us through the last 300 feet to reach the summit in no time. Despite the shifting clouds, views of nearby ridges were limited, so we didn’t stay long. After returning to the south saddle, we began to traverse south and east of the crest above South Fork War Creek.
The route crossed over Point 7422 and Point 7228, as the landscape was shrouded in clouds. Poor visibility throughout made navigating the terrain even more challenging, and it even snowed while we moved along the crest. Our next goal was Sun Mountain, which we climbed via its south ridge. Once again, we battled the elements, with wind and snow significantly reducing visibility. The dog stayed a few steps ahead, with his dark starkly contrasted against the pure white. Soon, we arrived at our second misty summit of the day.
A Sheltered Camp in Blue Grouse Basin
From Sun Mountain, we dropped into the south basin toward North Fork Fish Creek. Soon after traversing south through the broad basin, snow transitioned to dry ground. Then, after negotiating the cliffs west of the creek, we briefly walked the snow-free Chelan Summit Trail before crossing Fish Creek. With the evening’s unpredictable weather ahead, finding a sheltered camp was particularly appealing. Meanwhile, the birds chirping echoed through the otherwise silent, misty forest.
From near the creek, we hugged the ridge north of the water toward Blue Grouse Basin. To my surprise, we stumbled on an established camp at 6600 feet amidst the wooded basin. There was even a fire pit and a small stream flowing nearby, a welcome from the cold and damp conditions. As I set up camp, flurries that began a short while ago had finally stopped, providing a peaceful end to a tough day in the mountains.
Monday, May 27
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3 > Day 4 > Day 5
Twin Peaks + War Creek Pass Camp @ 6600′
Viewing Black Ridge Above Lake Chelan
Sunshine returned on the third day, a welcome change from the previous day’s snow. Today’s main objective was to continue south along the ridgeline and climb Twin Peaks via its southeast ridge. The abundant snow in the upper elevations made the traverse straightforward and efficient. Otherwise, we’d likely need to contend with massive scree or debris en route. The clear skies offered expansive views and renewed energy for the ascent.
We enjoyed crisp air while taking in stunning vistas above Triplet Lakes, with our destination ahead. Due to the broken east ridge, we dropped into the east basin via a notch, aiming for the southeast ridge across the semi-snowy basin. A mild and direct ascent soon brought us to the broad summit of Twin Peaks, with a clear view of Black Ridge from the day before. From here, the stunning sight of the deep blue Lake Chelan unfolded below, framed by the rugged peaks. Connor took a moment to curl up and soak in the sun, the kind of view that makes all the effort worthwhile.
Continuing Through to War Creek Pass
Back at camp, we turned north around a buttress toward the Chelan Summit Trail. The trail soon faded into the snow, and we made a beeline over the ridgetop before dropping onto the west side. Once back on the dry trail around 6800 feet, the constant views of the Entiat Mountains and Twin Peaks made a breathtaking backdrop. It was an enjoyable walk without the snow beneath Splawn Mountain. Afterward, the path slowly rose toward War Creek Pass as snow began to creep in, eventually reaching the junction sign.
Throughout this trip, snowshoes proved invaluable above the snow line. The area around War Creek Pass above Juanita Lake revealed a landscape still in the icy grip of winter. The basin was heavily snow-covered, and the lake itself had slowly begun to thaw. To be closer to the next day’s goal, we searched for a suitable camp above the pass, but to no avail. After spending some time scouting, a tight but dry and flat spot pleasantly appeared next to the recreation sign.
Tuesday, May 28
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3 > Day 4 > Day 5
Camels Butte + Williams Butte + Williams Lake Camp @ 6500′
Glimpses of Black Ridge on Camels Butte
Unfortunately, poor weather conditions returned on day four, as it rained and snowed intermittently. From the pass, our first goal was to head north and climb Camels Butte via its south crest. After going over Peak 6659, we took shelter under a large tree above the saddle until visibility improved. Despite a straightforward route, the ascent was damp and chilly, with the clouds obscuring the surrounding peaks. However, Connor seemed unfazed by the weather, as his main focus was napping while I took pictures.
After taking in views of Black Ridge and Twin Peaks, we returned to 6600 feet on the south ridge. From there, the traverse continued northeast through more basins than we cared for. The route ran between 6200 and 6400 feet through snow and rocks. Thankfully, reached Lake 6338 Basin via a snow ramp by the rocky buttress. With Camels Hump towering overhead, we reached Tony Basin at 6800 feet after rounding the final buttress. The persistent rain earlier made for a challenging and wet afternoon.
A Final Push to Williams Butte and Lake
From the 6800-foot saddle above Tony Basin, we traversed the southwest ridge of Williams Butte over Point 7225. To hug the crest, it was necessary to contend with krummholz, but thanks again to snow for smoothing out the rocky terrain. The last few hundred feet were brutal, as we were both running out of steam by then. But on the upside, it was another peak ticked off the list. Meanwhile, the weather showed no signs of improving, so we cut the visit short while trying to avoid the blustery wind behind shrubs.
By now, the dog and I were both ready for a place to rest. But I first needed to figure out a way into the basin as the sky slowly dimmed. Since the summer trail wasn’t available, we made a beeline toward Williams Lake down the east slope. Luckily, the established campsite by the shore was dry, a welcome sight after a long day of snowy travel. The lake, like Juanita, was serene and was beginning to thaw. The wind had died earlier while we approached the lake, and we soon turned in after a quick dinner.
Wednesday, May 29
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3 > Day 4 > Day 5
Williams Creek Trail + Road 4430
The Final Segment of the Journey
Our fifth and final day began with sunshine, and I looked forward to an easy walk out on a trail. The serene and thawing Williams Lake was a beautiful sight in the morning light as we enjoyed breakfast by the shore. The quiet solitude of the lakeside camp during the off-season was a perfect start to the day. It was a time for reflection on the four-day journey through the wilderness, where we began with the Black Ridge. Before leaving, we crossed the outlet by the north shore to savor the panoramic view of the pristine water.
From the shore, we hugged the creek bed as the sounds of the water led us through the last snow in the basin. Exit via the Williams Creek Trail was a welcome change of pace. The dry trail below 6300 feet was in decent condition, with surprisingly few windfalls through the old burn. In turn, it was a pleasant and relatively fast descent. Connor seemed to know we were nearing the end of the trip, and suddenly had more energy.
Reflecting on the Black Ridge Experience
It was only when we reached the lower trail that more debris appeared. More logs littered the path through the final half a dozen switchbacks, where we carefully navigated down to the trailhead. But I could only imagine how much more effort it would take going uphill, as we did four days earlier on the War Creek Trail. Since we ended the loop trip through Williams Creek Trail, we still needed to walk 3.5 miles on the road back to the gate.
The trip to one of my favorite areas offered a profound experience of solitude and natural beauty. The expansive views of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, when the weather improved, were unforgettable. But of course, spending time in the backcountry with the dog had made every moment that much more memorable.
