A major tributary to the Skagit, the federally protected Wild and Scenic Sauk River supports a wide array of wildlife and provides critical habitat for Puget Sound salmon. And like the Skagit, this mighty river is also winter habitat for hundreds of bald eagles. The Old Sauk River Trail hugs the riverbank of this ecologically important and strikingly beautiful waterway for 3 virtually flat miles. And with an elevation below 1000 feet, the trail rarely sees snow, making it one of the few winter hiking choices along the Mountain Loop Highway. But any time of year is ideal for this delightful and easy trail.

Within sound but not sight of the river, the trail begins in a thick stand of mature forest. Despite logging in the 1930s, many old-growth Douglas-firs still boldly stand. In 0.75 mile, after skirting a periodically dry channel, reach the mighty river. Behold its beauty and ever-changing mood. In the wet fall months, the river's volume and current increases. On more than a few occasions the Sauk has jumped its bed, taking a piece of the trail with it. But this trail is too admired to let go of-determined volunteers continuously restore lost tread.

At 1.25 miles cross a bridge over a small creek, and continue alongside the churning Sauk through attractive woods. Walk this way in springtime and be treated to brilliant displays of wildflowers. Thousands of trilliums, dwarf dogwoods, wood violets, twinflowers, and starflowers carpet the forest floor.

At 2 miles the trail appears to end. The November deluge of 2006 claimed roughly 150 yards of tread here. But trail builders constructed new tread around this washout along the unstable riverbank. Comprised of layers of glacial till and moraine, the Sauk's banks easily erode when assaulted with intense hydrological force.

The trail now briefly leaves the river to follow a quiet channel. Look for sign of active beaver. In late summer to early fall, chances are good for spotting spawning steelhead. The trail crosses an old road and then makes its way back to the riverbank. Silt deposits on and along the trail provide ample evidence of frequent past flooding.

At 2.75 miles the trail leaves the Sauk and its raucous bellowing behind. Briefly following Murphy Creek through a tunnel of moss-draped maples and under a canopy of towering cottonwoods, the trail reaches its southern terminus on the Mountain Loop Highway. Turn around and enjoy this trail downriver.