As the previous report mentioned, the trailhead is still inaccessible (there's a dangerously angled patch of snow across the road), and the trail is generally snow-free to about the twelfth switchback. But from there the snow becomes patchy, then finally consistent. The last approximately 400' to the top of the ridge is ascended easily with boots and an ice axe. From there the normal trail route is also covered in snow - just traverse straight over to the summit. We did this relatively early, and by noon the snow on the summit side, which had received consistent sunlight, was quite unstable. Back on the switchback side of things, the snow was still relatively hard, though, which made for a more interesting descent. Summit views were excellent, wildflowers were in bloom, and I suspect that, given another two weeks of decent weather, the trail should be clear below the ridge-line. Bottom line: for now, don't try to reach the summit without waterproof boots and an ice axe.

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.

Perfect day for a hike. Check. Don't want to drive all day. Check. Get up high for views. Check. just read the most recent report on this hike. Says the road is not bad, maybe, but it isn't good. A few of the potholes were large enough to swallow the Carolla. And spaced so they were difficult to avoid. But an early start meant I met no one coming down. Only 4 cars in the lot and the cooler temperatures have done in the bugs. The trail is showing some wear with several washout holes and many areas loaded with debris from express trails courtesy of many switchback cuts. This trail will not do well once the rains start. The climb went quickly and the view from the top was fantastic! The trail and the lot were full for the walk down.

I wanted to get out and see something spectacular on the last full day of summer and Sauk Mtn. delivered. The day was sunny and warm with nothing but blue sky and high clouds overhead. I arrived a little later than I wanted to at the trail head and found it full of cars. The road up was in otherwise good shape. However, I can see it being a problem for passenger cars once the rains arrive. Once there, I looked up the side of the mountain and saw the switch backs calling. Thankfully the east switchbacks were still in the shade which made fot great resting points on the way up. A couple left the parking lot right before and I came across two couples and another man on the way up. The trail as a hole was in great shape. It was beaten down with nothing more than small rocks in its path. You do cross the occasional rock or root and some scree towards the top. Bugs were still around but not terrible like they were a few weeks ago. The trail started relatively flat the before too long the switch-backs started. Not too bad as far as switch backs go but it was warm out and I was sweating freely. The whole way up the mountain views just got better and better. You can see the Skagit River and valley below the whole trip up the switch-backs and watch the parking lot get smaller and smaller. Just about the time I was thinking the switch-backs wouldn't end I crested the mountain and walked along a ridge before the mini-climb to the summit and site of a long removed fire lookout. Once at the ridge I could see Glacier Peak, Shuksan Mtn., and Sauk Lake nestled below with trail leading to it. The big pay off was at the top though. A full 360 degree view with Mt. Baker as a centerpiece! I arrived to a large group but they left soon after I arrived and I actually had the place to myself for a bit. I ran across yet another couple after I had been there awhile and concluded that like the forest service website said, you would not have solitude. Mt. Baker looked simply amazing in the sun as did all the surrounding mountains and the valley below. This trail wasn't too bad a climb and the effort is well rewared with incredible views of the North Cascades.

What an amazing hike! We went up to Sauk Mt. where the views were just incredible and the flowers still blooming. This was my first time doing this hike. I was completely enchanted by the emerald green color of Sauk Lake so we extended our outing by heading down to it. A little brushy in areas, but overall the trail to the lake was pretty good. There were a few steroidal horseflies at the lake, but it wasn't too bad. The best part was the incredible amount of ripe blueberries, what a feast! My dog loved them too, and she even managed to pick a few herself. Great time of year to do this hike. Happy Hiking! I'm almost at 100 miles for the month of August....GO HIKE-A-Thoners :0)