Skagit-Sauk Reach Trail — Tuesday, Apr. 6, 2021

What a great day in the North Cascades! We started our day at Howard Miller Steelhead Park and a hike along the Skagit river. The trail takes off from the campground  where there's a little archway that says Trailhead above. It first goes thru the wildlife meadows, there is a batbox and some birdhouses here and some nice interpretive signs, plus a river overlook with a bench. Continue on and cross a bridge over a swamp, head up and hit an old road. Turn left and soon cross another small bridge over a small creek. The trail continues on the old road and begins to angle toward the river. It soon becomes a trail along the high riverbank. There are nice views of the North Cascades to the east and of the river to the west and south. There are some blowdowns, easily crossed over. The washout comes at around 2 miles or so. It is easy to get over after you do a little climbing over roots and using a few branches and ferns to pull yourself over, not a problem for most hikers. Once past the slide, the trail begins to angle away from the river. When you reach a fork, take the left trail, this will lead you down and to the beach for a glorious lunch spot right on the river, complete with mtn views and sitting log.  This is an easy flat trail that can be done by all hikers, and yet we had it to ourselves today. There were people out fishing tho, in boats and on the far bank.  About 6 miles RT to the river spot and back. The road continues to the right after the turnoff, but just goes away from the river and into the woods. Been there, done that, but not today. The park has a day use area (where we started from) with a restroom, a few picnic tables and a nice bench. There is also a boat launch and campground with a play area for little kids.