Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop
~3 days · 31.5 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop is known for
The Spider Gap–Buck Creek Loop is a backpacking loop in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of Washington's north Cascades. It ascends the wildflower expanse of Spider Meadows, crosses the Spider Gap snowfield, and descends past the Lyman Lakes and Cloudy Pass before returning over Buck Creek Pass beneath Glacier Peak. It is a multi-day loop known for sustained alpine scenery and a permanent snowfield crossing at the gap.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,769 ft to 6,407 ft over 31.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 15.7 mi · 50%
- Downhill 14.2 mi · 45%
- Flat 1.6 mi · 5%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop scores 37/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from late July through September once the Spider Gap snowfield softens enough to cross safely; an ice axe is advisable early in the season.
Permits: No permit is required beyond a self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead, with a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 31.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop?
The Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop climbs roughly 9,416 ft total — about 299 ft per mile, topping out near 7,051 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop?
Best from late July through September once the Spider Gap snowfield softens enough to cross safely; an ice axe is advisable early in the season.
Do you need a permit for the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Loop?
No permit is required beyond a self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead, with a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.