Sauk Mountain — Tuesday, Jul. 29, 2025

Everyone knows the trail is steep, narrow and eroded due to clueless hikers cutting switchbacks (don't be that hiker). Everyone knows about the views. So here is the road and flower report. First, the road, the usual potholey forest road. It doesn't get bad until w/in the last mile to the TH. There you will be glad you splurged on those all-terrain tires as you ascend steeply thru the gnarly water ruts and section of sharp rocks. But, at the TH was the proverbial Prius, a low-slung sedan and a Honda CRV along with the usual Subaru suspects. Flowers: pretty much past their prime on the south facing slope going up the switchbacks. As you gain elevation they get better, lots of bluebells (campanula), paintbrush starting to go to seed but still nice, pearly everlasting, goldenrod in full bloom and some electric purple penstemon. As you come around the corner to the north side, the flower show is as pretty as I've seen on this section of the trail! Meadows of yellow arnica, white valerian, lavender asters with a few orange tiger lilies and red columbine here and there for more color. Truly a Monet painting moment. Lots of small treasures too, phlox, partridge foot and others line the trail. Bugs weren't bad until the top, we hauled out our bug nets so we could eat our lunch in peace. Outhouse hasn't been maintained since covid, use the restrooms at Rockport State Park or the Steelhead Park in Rockport. They have a coded entry panel but it's not functioning, you don't need a code. Also, check out Stilly Coffee located inside the Arlington Pharmacy, great iced mocha and way cheaper than Starbucks. Not open on Sunday tho. Hikeathoning for WTA: give.wta.org/muledeer2025 or go to donate and scroll for me Linda Roe if you are so inclined