My wife and I were at the trailhead by 10am. There were no vehicles then, but two hours later when we left there were around ten. The trail was snow free all the way. The views to the east side of Baker were outstanding. This is a short but steadily climbing trail that for the most part is out in the open. Although this is not my favorite trail, I felt good to get in a hike this late in the season.

This trail starts way up high at 4500'. The road from Hwy 20 is in ok shape, albeit there was a little ice on it and some washboard surfaces. The trail is in great condition all the way to the lookout. We also hiked to Sauk Lake, which is in great shape also, except for one minor blowdown near the lake. From the lookout, we scrambled to the summit. It's pretty exposed but not terribly technical. We also moseyed over to the easier and less scary Bald Mt. Only problem is slippery vegetation on the open slopes. The campsite at Sauk Lake has garbage -- too much for us to lug out. Maybe the next party can take some out!

After our brushing work party on the trail, we decided to zoom up to the top of Sauk Mountain as one of the three folks on the work party had not been there before. The other one had been there in the fog and not seen the wonderful vista. We climbed the remaining (unbrushed) switchbacks to the saddle. Terrific flowers...sitka columbines, cow parsnip, bluebells,asters are just past their peak. Go soon to see them. It was interesting to observe the Gold Mountain fire and another smaller lightening caused burn from the summit. The smoke did not fill the valley and we had great views of the confluence of the Sauk and the Skagit. The Sauk is milky from sediment washed down(via the Suiattle) and the Skagit is icy blue. The water remains unmixed for quite a ways down the Skagit below the confluence and is really lovely to observe from the top of Sauk Mountain. A great work party followed by a nice hike and view.

There is no existing snow on the front slope but, still a few snow fields linger on the backside. There looks to be some recent rock fall since last November so anyone who hasn't been in a while be wary. Lots of loose rock right before you attain the old lookout. Have fun and avoid tempting short cuts, especially in foggy conditions. They sometimes have steep drop offs.

What a great day for a short hike to just great views. It was hazy so you could not see Mt. Rainier but on the top switch backs you could see Mt. Baker, from the back side Mt. Shuksan was visible and the Pickets, Glacier peak. The trail is in great shape, the bugs are not bad. There is snow on top, on the back side and if you want to go to the former lookout take an Ice axe as the snow is steep on that short section. The Mt baker Hotshots were doing a training hike as I headed down they were going up.