Mt. Loop has plenty of potholes, but can be navigated fine with most any car. Rd #49 has less potholes (it seems) but continues to have one dry large stream bed to cross that most likely  requires a higher clearance as well as a smaller, active stream to cross. There was a spattering of snow that did not hinder drivability. 

The trail itself had a fair amount of downed trees but all were, again, easily triumphed (though some required more balance and flexibility than others). Stream crossings were fine, very little ice. Some intermittent snow but did not use snowshoes or traction devices. We went as far as the Pilot Ridge junction before turning around, though conditions appeared the same as far as the eye could see around the next corner. 

The unpaved portion of the Mountain Loop Hwy between Darrington and Road 49 (Sloan Creek Rd) as well as Road 49 itself have enough potholes to be an occasional nuisance even for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles but most passenger vehicles with standard ground clearance should be able to make it to the trailhead if driven carefully.

We started hiking at noon and traveled as far as the log bridge over Red Creek and to that point there was, intermittently, anywhere from a skiff to a couple of inches of snow with the snow depth and frequency of snow-covered trail sections increasing with elevation. Brush and blowdown/deadfall were minimal and the trail was generally well-maintained, obvious and relatively easily navigable though somewhat wet with a few minor stream crossings, large puddles and brief soggy/muddy areas. 

We observed small feline tracks, probably from a young bobcat, in the snow traveling downstream for miles - apparently hunting the unknown rodent, possibly a rat, which left tracks traveling in the same direction. The distance of the track suggested a persistence driven by the scarcity of food suitable for the mammalian denizens of this valley at this time of year and also possible migration to lower elevations with the change of seasons. We also saw a banana slug, a few small birds and a squirrel or two and many fruiting fungi.

The upper North Fork Sauk valley is probably most notable for its remnant old-growth forest featuring a high concentration of large trees including Douglas-fir, Western Redcedar, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock and Pacific Silver Fir. Truly one of the most diverse and aesthetic stands of timber remaining in the North Cascades.

There were 5 other hikers on the trail this afternoon.

This is a trip report for the 56(ish) miles of Section K from Stevens Pass to Mica Lake, as well as some unintended detours. First, the temperatures:

9/8/20 Lake Valhalla 57.7˚F

9/8/20 Janus Lake 64.4˚F

9/8/20 Pear Lake 57.0˚F

9/9/20 Lake Sally Anne 58.1˚F

9/9/20 Reflection Pond 57.2˚F

9/10/30 Mica Lake 60.8˚F

Beginning at Stevens Pass the first eighteen miles or so of the trail are lovely, with gentle grades, numerous lakes to swim in or perch beside and excellent views. The view from the top of Grizzly peak, with its ripe berries, flocks of birds and glimpses of Glacier is particularly exquisite. Popular Valhalla Lake has a nice beach, making for good swimming. Janus Lake is marshy and warm. At Pear Lake there is a large clearing where several groups can camp and a pair of good spots for swimming. 

North of Pear Lake the good views continue with Sloane and Kyes peak rising beyond West Cady ridge. Past Lake Sally Anne, which also has good camping and swimming spots, the berry bushes and unobstructed views continue, now of Kodak and Indian Head Peaks. Past the fork for the North Fork of the Sauk River turn off (more on that later), the trail is dusty and windswept as it winds its way up to Red Pass and down into the barren upper reaches of the White Chuck valley where a nice stream and good campsites can be found. 

However, once down in the White Chuck valley all bets are off as the trail disintegrates, with dozens of downed trees, verdant overgrowth, broken bridges and a few patches where mud and streams have claimed the trail. Still, with grace and balance, all major river crossings over the white glacial flows are manageable, and despite the overgrowth, route finding isn't necessary.

From the low of the valley the trail, still in poor shape with several improvised detours, climbs to fire creek pass and back down to Mica Lake. Mica Lake is deep crystalline blue, though a protected shady spot for lunch or camping is hard to come by. 

Unfortunately, as of September 10, 2020 the Downey Creek Fire had closed the Suiattle River Road and Trailhead. Therefore, backtracking from Mica lake, the next river valley south which would appear to connect out is the White Chuck.

Warning: although many maps still show trails in the White Chuck valley, and although signs on the PCT still point to these trails, they no longer exist. It turns out they were wiped out by a 2003 flood, with 17 years of unchecked forest growth reclaiming what wasn't obliterated by the deluge. 

Although the Kennedy Ridge trail still is somewhat follow-able, once it reaches the flood plain, nothing remains to follow. Bushwhacking, clambering over log jams and traipsing across sand bars is the only route that awaits. Not an ideal trail when re-routing to avoid forest fire closures. 

An additional backtrack from that thicket, the next river south, which does indeed connect out is the North Fork of the Sauk River. This trail is in excellent shape and after a long decent, a speedy and easy path through groves of truly gigantic trees is all that remains between the journey and the parking lot. 

Trip total 91.98 miles with 40,408 feet of up and down. 

A windy and smokey hike out to the location of the old shelter. If I hadn't seen some overnighters camped there, I would have passed it. 

Gravel parts of Mt Loop are tougher than FR 49. But my tiny Honda Fit did just fine. 

Bugs bad at parking lot, but not too many on trial. 

Detailed video trip report attached, as usual, for your planning needs. 

I did an overnight trip, parking at the North Fork Sauk trailhead. I the walked the 3.2 miles down the road to Bald Eagle Trailhead and began hiking up to Curry Gap. The initial few miles were along what was once a road, by the appearance of the grade. The trail was pretty grassy and gave the appearance of not being a high-use trail. The trailhead was also pretty neglected. 

Constant but easy elevation gain until reaching some switchbacks that climb up to the ridges and meadows prior to Curry Gap. 

Blueberries and Huckleberries plump and ripe for basically the next 30 miles. Very distracting. 

No water sources between before Curry Gap and just past Indian Gap. Be prepared for this. Many little rivulets along the PCT between White Pass and the North Fork Sauk trail.

Lots of Marmots, saw a hawk trying to run down some smaller birds, but couldn't get my camera out in time for that one.

I am glad I chose the gradual incline up to Curry Gap instead of the 2600 foot slog up from Sauk River trail. Going down was easy. 

Smoke and haze was just making an appearance on this hike - I knew there was a fire near the Suiattle River trail, but I had no idea the entire PNW was on fire until I got back to civilization.