Family day trip was a great break from the rain and our house. Kids, 8 and 13, both enjoyed the beauty. It’s muddy but it’s winter so that makes sense. Saw 2, or 4, eagles and enjoyed the shifting clouds and exquisite moss everywhere. Left Seattle at 11:00 and returned home at 7:00 with several stops.

Hiked this in the clear weather this morning before the rain started. We were the only ones there. Trail is in good shape, a couple of downed trees to step over and a bit of mud in spots.

As a previous report mentioned, the big tree that blocked the trail earlier this year has a good notch cut out of it now for climbing through. Still requires a bit of a scramble if you're short like I am, especially on the return, but definitely doable.

This is a super quick trail as it's so flat. We paused to enjoy the views of the beaver dams at the trail end at the broken bridge. You can still see the rest of the trail beyond, would love to see the bridge fixed up someday. Overall a great little jaunt through pretty forest with some good river views.

Nice Sunday morning hike! Arrived at the TH around 10am, only two other cars parked there. Toilet open but no toilet paper and no trash service. There are a few trees to step over, and the big one has a cut out for your legs and a hand hold, so not too bad! As noted in other trip reports, the bridge itself is broken now so we couldn't cross the lakes to the river, unfortunately. It was still a nice hike though, very quiet and peaceful, and very easy with a lack of elevation. 

We did a 'two-fer' hike today, lots of bang for the buck! First we did Beaver Lake, a short easy trail along the Sauk River. The trail is in good shape, only one significant old blowdown that's been there awhile, there is a foothold and hand hold cut in it to help. The trail is muddy in spots with slick clay mud, you will want boots. We saw 2 eagles hanging out along the river, and we could smell why, a dead salmon along the bank. Nice views of Mt Pugh once the fog cleared off.  It is sad to see the bridge collapse and the loss of the rest of the trail. I wish it would get fixed. We saw no one until we almost back to the car. Loo open no TP.

We then drove up the road, planning to hike from the west TH to Murphy Creek and back, however that TH was full, so we parked at the main TH. The loo was unlocked but some AH had vandalized the door handle so I had to use a stick to open it. This is another easy hike along the Sauk, but longer. It's a nice forest walk with some views out to the river. We hiked toward the west TH.  There has been a bridge repair at the west end of the trail very recently, the wood has not weathered. I was shocked at the number of people on this trail today, I've been here many times before and never saw this many people, even in the summer. Must be the Covid effect. Mask compliance was high. 

I had a couple hours before dark on my way out to stay in Marblemount, parking next to Clear Creek was full (to Frog Lake) so I headed here.  

3 miles beyond Beaver Lake TH on the R, there's a hand made sign indicating the Lookout Tree is 1/4 mile.  Past the Tree the trail continues, eventually reaching a channel of the Sauk River.

The water was alive with fish, big and smaller, Bald and other eagles overhead.  I walked gently across the channel, up the far bank and across again, and to the broken bridge over Beaver Lake.  I chatted with the folks on the other side, the only people I saw today.  Then back.

The North Cascades are lonely with the winter Highway closure, sign in Rockport said at "Ross Trail".  Off season rates at Glacier Peak Resort, plenty of low elevation hiking nearby, Marblemount is 400 feet.  They're serving Thanksgiving dinner, to-go only due to the recent no indoor dining rule, for $15 plus tip. 

Bring the "household" and spend the holiday in your own vacation cabin!  360-873-2250