This hike is better known as a main access point for the Glacier Peak Wilderness. In the early season it stands on its own as a first rate old growth forest hike.
The dirt part of Mountain Loop Drive is in excellent condition. You could probably drive it with a low slung sports car. The 6.8 mile NF-49 to the trailhead was definitely rougher. There were plenty of potholes.
I started the hike with a 2.4 mile roundtrip to the Red Mountain Lookout site. There were several windfall to negotiate on this trail but nothing too difficult. The viewpoint looks down on the main North Fork Sauk Valley. There's also a view of Sloan Peak but the peak was in the clouds today.
The old growth along the main NFS trail is a real pleasure. There are some good sized Doug Fir in the first few hundred yards. Red Cedar then dominates for the next mile. Some of the trees are probably pushing 11 feet in diameter. The trees started getting smaller around mile 2 so I turned around.
5.8 mi RT. 1400 ft.
Comments
PLEASE keep your dog on a leash.
Posted by:
206Hiker206 on Jun 25, 2024 06:17 PM
Leash off for photos
Posted by:
Maddy on Jun 25, 2024 08:38 PM
Leash off for photos
Posted by:
Maddy on Jun 25, 2024 08:39 PM