Sauk Mountain — Sunday, Jun. 15, 2025

Rating:  5 of 5 stars!
My opinions:  This is a fantastic hike!  Views were awesome! Wildflowers were nice—flock, lilies and pretty white flowers.  In past years, I have been with acres of wildflowers in bloom, but I think I was too early for this abundant bloom.  Still, there were pretty flowers.  This is such a wonderful hike on a sunny day. 
There is snow the last ½ mile, when you go to the backside of the mountain.  We made it though the snow without YakTraxs.  I’m glad I had poles.
There are a lot of people doing this hike!  Crowded on a Sunday, 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.  A Toyota Avalon made it to the top!  I got there at about 12 am and there were 3 parking spots open.
Snow:  Some at the top.  I did not put on Yak-tracks, but I used poles to help me.
Trail & trail conditions:  Great.  A little muddy & snowy at the top.  Watch for loose rocks.
Bugs:  None.
Time:  4.5 hours for a 67-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:  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.