Sauk Mountain — Saturday, Jun. 12, 2010

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

This trail is still snowy! Lug-soled boots, gaiters, and ice axe strongly recommended! Usually, the Sauk Mountain trail is a great early-season hike because it's on a south-facing slope. But it's still early in the season, so snow is still a factor. The road is snow-free up to within a quarter-mile from the parking area. Even the big 4-wheelers stopped here. It's an easy hike to the parking area (take the right fork), and the cute A-frame privy is in great shape. The trail is clear for about the first mile and dozen switchbacks. Then some sections of the trail have quite a bit of snow. With the very steep face, even in soft snow conditions, it's plenty dangerous! With an ice axe, though, the rest of the trail should be no problem.