Video trip report attached, including the road up, for your planning purposes.

FR 49 is as potholed as ever, but not bad as far as Forest Service roads go. When you turn onto it, a sign is posted stating that the road is closed .5 miles in. This is not the case, however. Debris covered the road at some point since December, but most of it has been cleared. Getting through it simply involves going slow, as it is narrow. Not a problem. You can see it in the video.

There is a large Old Growth tree down across the trail, about .7 miles in. To cross it, you have to Climb up and through the roots. Not difficult.

The main little unnamed stream crossing is high enough that you will get your feet wet. The rocks that one is tempted to use as stepping stones are not very stable, so be prepared for wobbly footing. Again, not difficult, just want you to not be surprised.

There are a couple spots with little rivulets of water following the trailbed. Another opportunity for potentially wet feet.

With all the caveats out of the way, this trail was awesome! I first did it in December, with light snow on the ground, so this time was a real treat. Wildflowers in abundance the entire length of the trail. Spring growth of native plants is in full speed. The sound of the Sauk River was a joy to hear, most of the hike, and the old growth trees were majestic. 

I did an out and back to Mackinaw shelter, which collapsed about 2 years ago. I spent about 6 hours on this trail. I saw 5 other people in total - 2 folks en route to snowboard, and 3 that were going to attempt a Glacier Peak climb. 

Went out with friends on New Year's Day to stretch the legs. First ones up the road, had to drag a handful of trees off the road to pass. Made it approximately 4 miles in on the hiking trail before turning around. One creek crossing a little higher than normal, but manageable with careful steps, and a few added rocks. Snow on the trail is easy to navigate at this time. Great forest and river views!

Forest Road 49 to trail head full of potholes and some slushy snow starting about 2 miles from trail head -- happy to have my truck with 4x4. Only one other car at parking area. Hiked about 2 miles in and trail was intermittently snow  covered with clear boot track. Rain was heavy and slush was thick. Giant trees make giant drips. Was happy to get back to the sandwiches and heat awaiting in the cab. Dog loved every soggy moment. 

After waking up this morning and seeing the lousy weather it was a bit difficult deciding whether to forge ahead with today's planned hike. I contacted my hiking buddy and she said "let's go for it". And we did and it was the right decision. We drove through rain and endured a very long road starting in Darrington and ending just off FR 49. Parts of FR 49 are covered in potholes and sections of snow and ice. The snow is piled primarily in the center of the road and I was worried about the bottom of my car planing over the snow but it wasn't a problem. There is a small stream of water crossing the road just before the trailhead. I parked just before this water crossing and after walking past it, I realized that we could easily have driven over it. As we hit the trailhead, the rain had stopped.

As for the trail, it is beautiful. The forest is lush and the trees are tall and huge. Not just a few trees here and there, but many big trees making their presence along the way. Snow covers much of the well defined trail but it poses no difficulties. There were a couple of downed trees that were easy to get around. You can hear the river constantly and its flow is hearty. We didn't make it to the collapsed Mackinaw shelter as we spent time going to Sauk Falls and taking a short jaunt on the Sloan Peak climbing route (that trail wasn't very pretty and it quickly led to water and tree obstacles).

We didn't see any mountain views as the forest dominated the trail. Any peek a boo views were obscured by high fog. At the end of the day we felt lucky to have had such a beautiful hike in what appeared to be a dismal day in town. 

The privy is open at the TH. No toilet paper so plan accordingly. 

Video attached.

I was looking for river hikes to do now that winter is nearly upon us, and I found North Fork Sauk River and became intrigued with the prospect of Old Growth forest and the fact that it is a gateway to Glacier Peak and the surrounding area. I decided to make a "scouting trip" for planning purposes for 2020.

I had planned on hiking to Mackinaw Shelter and back, although I had found out in my research that it has collapsed. As I hiked up the trail, snow gradually began to accumulate. At the 3 mile mark it was 3 to 4 inches in depth. I had traction with me but it was not needed at any point. I chose to turn around at this point, not due to any difficulty, but because I had seen enough to keep me satiated until my next hike.