North Fork Sauk River — Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Our group of 8 started out Friday Aug. 1st for 3 days in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. We began at the North Fork Sauk River trailhead by the Sloan Creek Campground. Only 5.2 miles and 900' gain to Mackinaw Shelter next to the river. One creek crossing at Red Creek which is still flowing pretty good. The old shelter is still standing, though not useable any more. Their was a group of students and 2 instructor's for the National Outdoor Leadership School on 2 week trip in the Glacier Peak area staying at the campsite on Friday night. Saturday morning we left about 8 a.m. for a day hike up to the PCT and Red Pass. It is 3 miles and 3,000' gain up to the PCT junction. Part of the trail switchbacks through an old avalanche area where all the trees in an area about 200 yards wide and all the way to the river far below where mowed down by snow. Up in the meadow area on the hill sides are lots of flowers and only one marmot to be seen. A few small creeks along the way in the meadows to get water if needed. We stopped at one to refill water bottles and bladders. One of the streams even had a small waterfall we stuck our heads under to cool off. When we got the the junction with the PCT, we headed north to Red Pass. Stopped along to way for lunch with some spectacular views of hundreds of peaks. Red Pass at 6,500' there is a little snow left at the camp site for water. Glacier Peak is a short distance away and not much snow left on its southwest side. Some really wild county to see. On the way back to camp in the afternoon, it was much warmer. In one section of the trail where you begin leaving the meadows and entering the small trees at around 5,000', we were hit by a swarm of black flies for one mile of the trail down. They wanted to eat us alive. We zipped along this part of the trail. About 4'000' elevation they were gone. Back at camp there weren't very my bugs at all. After cooling off in the river and two quarts of liquids, I felt a lot better. We had the campsite to our selves Saturday night. After dinner some of us in the group sat down by the river and saw some wild life. An American Dipper was going in the water getting bugs to eat, a small forest mouse was going from rock to rock by swimming in the water. It was a pretty fast swimmer too, as it body kayaked. Sunday morning some slept into 7 a.m. before breakfast, packing up and the trip backout to the trailhead. Another great time in ther mountains and some good friends to share it with.