Video trip report attached, including the road up, for your planning purposes.
FR 49 is as potholed as ever, but not bad as far as Forest Service roads go. When you turn onto it, a sign is posted stating that the road is closed .5 miles in. This is not the case, however. Debris covered the road at some point since December, but most of it has been cleared. Getting through it simply involves going slow, as it is narrow. Not a problem. You can see it in the video.
There is a large Old Growth tree down across the trail, about .7 miles in. To cross it, you have to Climb up and through the roots. Not difficult.
The main little unnamed stream crossing is high enough that you will get your feet wet. The rocks that one is tempted to use as stepping stones are not very stable, so be prepared for wobbly footing. Again, not difficult, just want you to not be surprised.
There are a couple spots with little rivulets of water following the trailbed. Another opportunity for potentially wet feet.
With all the caveats out of the way, this trail was awesome! I first did it in December, with light snow on the ground, so this time was a real treat. Wildflowers in abundance the entire length of the trail. Spring growth of native plants is in full speed. The sound of the Sauk River was a joy to hear, most of the hike, and the old growth trees were majestic.
I did an out and back to Mackinaw shelter, which collapsed about 2 years ago. I spent about 6 hours on this trail. I saw 5 other people in total - 2 folks en route to snowboard, and 3 that were going to attempt a Glacier Peak climb.
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