North Fork Sauk River — Sunday, Apr. 25, 2004

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Sorry this report is so late. I wasn't going to submit one, then I just read the report of Slugman from May 11 on road #49, having seen a cougar. I thought it may be worth mentioning I also saw one in the same area, on April 26, just before the N.Fork Sauk river trail head. It came out of the woods on our left, crossed the road and dissapeared on our right. I have to admit I was a little jumpy and hypervigilant as we hiked along the trail! As for trail conditions, there were some blow downs, pretty big ones, and one wash out we had to climb up the steep bank to get around. The trail was beautiful otherwise, and we could see some fresh gravel that had been placed. The creeks were not really high, just about average, I would say. Even though the day was balmy and warm there were very few bugs out. We also stopped at the falls, for my first time. Usually when I have gone up that way it is for a longer hike so I don't feel I have time to check out side trips. They were a lovely white froth of water. The trail and stairs leading to them were in very good condition. It was a wonderful day, but the cat was the highlight!