Hiked this trail August 13-15, 2024. This is an incredible route, one I could easily recommend. Some key takeaways for your information:

1. Going counterclockwise appears to be the better option between the two. For one, the descent down White Pass to N. Fork Sauk is more gradual than the one coming down Pilot Ridge to N. Fork Sauk. It's up to the individual whether they would prefer steeper uphill or steeper downhill, though. For second, going counterclockwise means that the steep ascent and descent portions of this loop are started quickly at the beginning of days one and three (if you do this loop in 3 days, camping at Blue Lake and White Pass). Powering through them while one is fresh and when the day is still largely cool is great.

2. Bugs were light, but this hike was also unusually cool and cloudy for this time of year, which may have contributed to bug activity. I saw the most bugs on the N. Fork Sauk River and up to White Pass, but anyone who has experienced bad bug situations would have found what was here minimal.

3. Don't miss going over the Blue Lake High Route. It's epic, and one of the best views of the whole route. there is a high "mound" off to the side once one reaches the top (to the left if one is coming from Blue Lake, an additional 300ft gain). You're definitely going to want to consider going up there.

4. This route at this time of year for us was very dry, No water between the N. Fork Sauk-Pilot Ridge junction until crossing the 8 miles to Blue Lake, and very little water between Blue Lake and White Pass. a few trickles if you're desperate. The Sauk is good.

General tips: fill your water bottles every time you get the chance because there can be considerable stretches between opportunities. For anyone wondering, the log across the Sauk is plenty wide and flat- very easy to cross. Bring DEET, a head net, and long pants. Lots and lots of blueberries, huckleberries, and thimble berries, amazing views, and wildflowers.

Day 1: We did this loop counterclockwise, camping at the trailhead the night before to get an early start. We stayed at Blue Lake the first night, which made for a pretty strenuous day, but I was very glad we did it in this direction to get the biggest day out of the way at the beginning. Strava says we gained 5100 feet in about 13.6 miles from the trailhead to Blue Lake. I truly thought my soul had left my body by the time we got to the lake, but we made it with enough time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Highly recommend visiting this lake- despite the bugs it is a gorgeous setting and there was only one other small group there.

Day 2: The second day we took the “high” route above Blue Lake. It’s a stiff climb up a loose scree slope but not technical and the trail is easy to follow. Very glad to have gone up this way not down. The views from the top were outstanding and well worth the effort. After descending the other side, the trail eventually connects with the PCT, and is far gentler. Our last night was at White Pass. Pretty crowded with lots of backpackers and climbers headed for Glacier Peak. A commercial outfitter had their large group camped right on the meadows. Not cool, my friend. Beware the tippy privies at White Pass camp, let’s hope no one finds themselves riding a “sled” down the hill with their pants around their ankles. (A new Olympic event?) There is water at White Pass despite rumors to the contrary. Follow the trail all the way downhill past all of the campsites to find the creek.

Day 3: The third day we circled back down to the Sauk, back at the cars by noon.

Went out for a 2 night backpack clockwise, 1st night at White Pass and 2nd night at Blue Lake. Overall it was beautiful, difficult and very buggy. Definitely was glad we brought bug spray and head nets. First day up to White Pass, got there just before dark on a Wednesday and there was still some room to camp. Filled up water at Red Creek camp before heading up, there were opportunities for water several times on the ascent in small creeks. Water at White Pass was doable but a small trickle, might dry up later in the season. Views were incredible. 2nd Day White Pass to Blue Lake was very hot, not a lot of spots to fill up water. We were at just about a liter left when we got down to Blue Lake via the high trail, it was pretty steep but we were glad to get to Blue Lake faster, were able to do the ascent in just 30 minutes. Only a few other campers at Blue Lake, we swam and it was glorious. Still buggy. Hike out from Blue Lake via Pilot Ridge was blissfully cloudy to protect from heat but still amazing views all around, this was for sure a highlight. The descent was long but much of the trail is soft pine beds which was a welcome surprise. Not much water between Blue Lake and North Fork Sauk. Overall long, hard, beautiful backpack!

Did this clockwise starting from Nork Fork Sauk TH to White Pass on Day 1. Awesome views at White Pass. Mosquitoes were pretty bad at White Pass Camp, bring bug net and spray. Careful the toilet is wobbly. Not a great source of water here. More of a puddly stream were most of the camps are. But lovely meadow and mountain views. Should have pitched tent under the trees. Was out in the open and heavy condensation on tent in the morning. 

On Day 2,  glorious walk on the PCT to Dishpan Gap. Incredible views through meadows of wildflowers. Just a couple of easy-to-cross snow patches remaining.  Somehow missed the side trail up to Kodak Peak. Then went on the Bald Eagle Trail before taking the shortcut trail (Blue Lake High Route) to Blue Lake. I would consider next time taking the longer route continuing with the Bald Eagle Trail then turning on the Pilot Ridge Trail to Blue Lake, especially since I ended up camping at Little Blue Lake to a spot I like that is covered in trees (to avoid another wet tent in the morning). The shortcut trail to Blue Lake was pretty rough and steep up then down. Did a day hike in the late afternoon/early evening to Johnson Mountain, the highest point of the trip and most stunning 360°view. Good thing I went that afternoon since the morning was all clouded in. Mosquitoes were still bad at camp that night. 

Day 3 was almost all in clouds/fog. Nice cool temperature hiking down Pilot Ridge and no mosquitoes! Just a couple of easy-to-cross snow patches remaining as well. But did miss the great views going down Pilot Ridge. Bring extra water since there is no good water source from Blue Lake to almost the last mile of Pilot Ridge Trail to the North Fork Sauk River. That last 2.5 miles of Pilot Ridge is a killer going down for so long and steep. There were about 3-4 big, downed trees to get over on this stretch as well. Log across the North Fork Sauk River pretty easy to cross. Just a little scrambling getting on and off.

It worked for me doing this loop clockwise with the better conditioned North Fork Sauk Trail and shorter distance to White Pass than counter-clockwise up the rougher Pilot Ridge Trail and bit longer to Blue Lake. But either direction, this is a spectacular loop hike I hope you can get out and enjoy!