North Fork Sauk River, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass — Monday, Jun. 22, 2015

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

I knew this was going to be a long hike so I started out at 6:00am. Mountain Loop Hwy was in great shape, but I was dodging quite a few potholes on road 49. There were just 2 other cars at trailhead. I only met one backpacker and two climbers who were returning from Glacier Peak on the hike up. Overall the Sauk River Trail was in great shape, but devils club was encroaching on the trail in the sunny spots before Mackinaw Shelter. From Mackinaw Shelter to White Pass the trail was completely snow free with no issues. The wildflowers were in full bloom up in the meadows and the color was intense. There was a nice cool breeze and I think it kept the bugs away. The hike through the alpine meadows up here have always been one of my favorites, there seems something magical about it. At White Pass I explored the climbers path to White Mountain and was treated to some spectacular views of Glacier Peak and the White Chuck River Basin. There were still some snow patches in the gully's on the north side of White Mountain, but its melting fast. Just met a few hikers on the way back down and other than that I pretty much had the trail to myself today. It was a long day on the trail today and was back at the car at 5:40pm and the parking lot was full at the trailhead.

More Information on this Trip Report

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