North Fork Sauk River, Kennedy Ridge & Fire Creek — Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2020

Red Pass, Kennedy Ridge, Glacier Ridge, Pumic Creek, and Fire Creek Pass.

I have long wanted to hike along Kennedy Ridge, above the former Kennedy Hot Springs, now long buried, and then to Fire Creek Pass. The trail up Milk Creek, the shortest way there, and the Kennedy Hot Springs trail, were both long ago given up, buried, or not maintained.  So, the best way to get there is to hike to Red Pass, then along the PCT to Fire Creek Pass.  The round trip from the trailhead at the North Fork of the Sauk River to Fire Creek Pass and back is 52 miles, with a lot of elevation gain and loss.

I started out mid-afternoon and hiked to Macinaw Shelter up the North Fork of the Sauk River.  It is an easy backpack for about five miles. The shelter has fallen down, but, many great camp sites are there and very accessible water.

Then enjoy (sarcasm) the long grind up to the connection to the PCT, about 4.5 miles.  It is a steady, mostly dry, climb of about 3,000 feet, with constant southern exposure.  Then, at the junction with the PCT, to the right a short half mile or so is White Pass. 

To the left, about another 700 feet above  and another mile is a beautiful traverse along the side of Red Mountain to Red Pass.  The views are awesome to the Monte Cristo range, and to Sloan Peak.  Tons of berries at this time of the year.  The view at Red Pass towards Glacier Peak is absolutely stunning.

The PCT then travels down the valley, above tree line, is amazing!  Lots of streams, many full of glacial silt, and lots of places to camp. I hiked about five miles from Red Pass to camp near a stream.  Down hill all the way. The trail is very soggy and washed out in some places.  

Then, the next day,  I did a 22 mile round trip to Fire Creek Pass as a day hike. There are many logs across the trail. Not bad for a 70 year old man. :)

The two bridges to cross are out, and many streams a challenge to cross.  I found logs to use or rocks.  I suggest hikers cross the streams early.  By late afternoon the biggest streams were much higher due to the snow and glacier melt off.  The elevation gains are basically up 3,000 feet, down 2,000 feet, up 2500 feet, down 2000 feet....a few times.  :)  A challenge, but doable. 

The scenery is stunning, and wildflowers excellent. The cirque for Pumic Creek is one of the best in the Cascades, with a number of places to camp.  

I retraced my steps to the trailhead.  All completed in 3.5 days.  A great hike. Whenever the trail up MIlk Creek is repaired, this will be a much easier hike.  

I rarely saw anyone, since extremely few PCT thru-hikers this year. I have hiked all over the state; this is one of the most raw, beautiful stretches of the PCT and rarely visited.

Dan