This was the first of 3 easy hikes we did on this Valentine's Day! The TH is 9 miles from Darrington on the Mt Loop HWY. There is no TH sign, but turn right at the arrow beside the HWY and park in a large area off the HWY. (FR22 and the bridge across the White Chuck is on the left side of the HWY.) After about 1/2 mile on the trail there is a small area where the trail was destroyed in the Nov 2006 storms. There is a fallen sign stating, "trail is no longer maintained beyond this sign". The washed out area was easily walked.The trail to the lake is muddy in many areas and the tread is worn in other areas; however, the trail is very doable and very enjoyable until coming to the end at the impassible slide near the Sauk. We may not have made it to the slide itself as we were just beginning to view the river again in an area where there were many trees across the trail. It hardly seemed worth the effort to work our way around the trees when it appeared we were nearing the slide area. There are many old-growth cedars on both sides of the trail after passing the lake. These 2 areas are flagged with pink ribbons which somewhat detract from the beauty of the trees and the lush, green forest understudy of ferns and mosses. There were several blooming skunk cabbage shortly before the bridge which crosses the lake. The hike s 4 miles RT.
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