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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail switches back and forth through forest 2.1 miles to a rocky hilltop that has 360 degree views which include the Skagit River Valley, and Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier on clear days. In summer the area is covered with wildflowers. You can take a side trip 1000 feet down to Sauk Lake 1.5 miles away. Trailhead: From I-5 north of Mt. Vernon, go 40 miles east on Hwy 20 (North Cascades Highway). Just before Rockport State Park, turn left onto Forest Road 1030 (also known as the Sauk Mountain Rd.) . Follow this gravel road 8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. (Lat:48.52117 Lon:-121.607) Trail Guides for Sauk Mountain: Pacific Northwest Hiking by Ron C. Judd & Dan A. Nelson (Foghorn Press) Day Hike North Cascades by Mike McQuaide (Sasquatch Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Mount Baker Ranger District Info Center (360) 856-5700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Robbie Hochreiter, who has posted 24 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by BMN on 10/15/2007 Love this hike...well worth the effort. If you want a more intense hike, hike to Sauk Lake...beautiful, the trail is harder and pretty steep, but it is worth it. 
Reviewed by Mahlon on 9/8/2007 Always a Great Hike! We took our 10 and 14 year old this time and they did it with no difficulty. We could see the Olympic peninsula mountains, Mt. Ranier, Snow King, Mt Baker, Shuksan, Skagit river valley and the Northwest Alps through the Cascade pass. Started off Hwy 20 at 10:15am and got back on Hwy 20 at 1:20pm and spent ample time at the top with a moderate pace!!
Reviewed by Nick Martin on 7/26/2007 I fell in love on this hike. Nothing better.
Reviewed by David on 2/5/2007 Great place to sno-shoe
Reviewed by Jeff V on 10/25/2006 Great conditioning hike...the actual summit is beyond the end point of the trail, and can be reached via a short scramble to the top. Facing generally towards Mt Baker, climb down the knoll from the trail's end, and up the next mound. The slope looks nearly verticle from the trail, but it's not - though it is very steep. Carefully climb across the following ridge, and up the next slope. On top you'll find the geological survey marker with official altitude.
Reviewed by Poco on 10/12/2006 I hiked Sauk this summer while I was working for the AMC in Concrete. One of the most fun and rewarding day hikes I've ever experienced. The steepness on the switchbacks is a little sketchy, but makes it that much more fun. It was super cool looking down and seeing the Skagit from the summit, and there were literally mountains in any direction I looked. Very cool. This is definitely a hike I'll do again, once I stop being poor and I'm able to go west again. Certainly not like Vermont.
Reviewed by Patty on 10/5/2006 I've hiked this trail 5 times, the most recent being today. The autumn colors are quite beautiful, and since it was a clear day, Mt. Baker was out in all its glory. The trail is a bit exposed with some pretty sharp drop offs, but my dog and I did it with little difficulty. I would have to agree with the reviewer who said it was moderate rather than easy.
Reviewed by Ron on 9/6/2006 Incredible "bang for your buck" views. I do not rate as "easy," but moderate. I should have brought bug spray and a third bottle of water. Saw many children make this trek. 9 mile dirt road was very dusty and narrow in a few places. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Skagit County Hiking, Skagit County Trails, Skagit County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||