A large amount of snow is on the road for about 300 yards starting at about the 4.75 mile mark. This is on a stretch along a north-facing slope. Beyond that, the snow is patchy, with road mostly snow-free for next mile. One could probably easily make it to the trailhead, and most of the meadowy slopes on the mountain looked free of snow. Lots of waterfalls along the road that you don't notice when you are barreling up in a car and we saw no one else this day, but a few tracks in the snow. A few skinny trees have blown down over the road.

Road covered in snow at about 3.5 miles. We parked there and snowshoed up beyond the parking lot. Mixed rain and snow made it impossible to continue to the top. Very steep final approach was subject to avalanche. Probably could make the top with snowshoes, good conditions and a big day of effort. Easy access to road end..

Sauk Mountain, Off Hwy 20 Rockport, WA. Most of the trail is snow free. Wildflowers nice but many varieties still in bud. Big show should be from July 22 on. One caveat: This family caliber hike was just written up in local Skagit Valley Herald newspaper as ""Hike of the Week"" and the switchback trail had the appearance of the waiting line for the most popular ride at Disneyworld. If you hike this trail and see anyone cutting switchbacks, you have my permission to kick them in the ankle as they pass by.

The trail is clear to the ridge, with snow patches on the slope before the last section to the lookout site. Bugs were minimal. Flowers were great. A fair number of folks on the trail, but hardly surprising considering the views.

Four cars were in the parking lot on our arrival at the trailhead. The trail was in mostly good shape but several witnessed falls and a few slips of my own were caused by trail narrowing hidden on the downhill side by brush. One lady in sneakers (not advised due to lots of loose rock) took a good tumble onto her knees. The trail was hot and the bugs plentifull, but the views and the meadows in bloom made it worthwhile. We did the long jaunt down to the lake which was almost warm enough to swim and one fellow actually swam to the middle. Not a good trail to rush on due to loose footing and steep drops on some of the switchback turns. We were able to see Ranier from the top.