Sauk Mountain — Friday, Jul. 5, 2024

Rating:  5 of 5 stars!
My opinions:  This is a great hike!  Wildflowers were wonderful—especially at the top, mainly tiger lilies and pretty white flowers.  At the beginning, there were just a few wildflowers in bloom, but there were enough to get some pretty color, especially purple flock.  I have been with acres of wildflowers in bloom, but I missed this abundant bloom.  However, this is still a wonderful hike on a sunny day. 
There are a lot of people doing this hike!  Very crowded on a Friday, but still worth going!
The hike is moderate, probably for beginners who are in decent shape, with incredible views from the parking lot and all the way up!  I think there are better views here than Mt Pilchuck, but this hike is much easier.  Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning, so once you get to what it looks like is the top, there is still more to go, but the elevation gain is much easier.
I highly recommend hiking poles—especially for the switch-back turns and on the snow.
Sauk Mountain is a longer drive from the Seattle area, but worth the drive!  You can also combine this hike with Baker Hot Springs, to get the most out of your trip north (but the road has a lot of very bad pot-holes).
Parking & Road Conditions: The road has lots of pot-holes, but if you go slowly, they aren’t horrible.  I’d suggest an SUV.  I got there at about 11 am and got the last “real” parking spot. 
Snow:  Some at the top.  I did not put on Yak-tracks, but I used poles to help us.
Trail & trail conditions:  Great.  A little muddy & snowy at the top.  Watch for loose rocks.
Bugs:  Yes, but not horrible.  I swatted a few flies.
Time:  4 hours for one 66-year-old, which included a 30-minute rest at the top.  I took lots and lots of photos of and panoramic views of many mountains.
Views:  Incredible mountain views!  Beautiful river and valley views from the trail. 
Flowers:  Tiger lilies, Small white flowers, and lots of lavender Flock.
Misc:  Although the shortcuts are very tempting, please do not use them.  If you use the short-cuts, you increase the chances for erosion.