Goat Lake
2 days ago
Fall color arriving at the lake
13 this month · 113 reports
North Fork Sauk River
North Cascades
updated 6 days ago
The North Fork Sauk River trail is in good condition overall, with reports from September 19 indicating it's snow-free and passable. However, there are ongoing issues with the bridge at Red Creek, which is damaged and has missing handrails, though it remains usable or a rock crossing is available. The trail may have some overgrown sections and multiple downed trees, particularly past the two-mile mark, as noted on September 19. Road access to the trailhead is generally good, suitable for all vehicles, though one report from September 14 mentioned rough but passable conditions on the Mountain Loop Highway gravel section. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, with the lot around 75-80% full on a Monday in mid-September, but more dispersed camping spots are available. Water sources are generally available, though one report from September 19 noted them becoming scarce after passing Mackinaw. Recent reports from mid-September highlight beautiful old growth forests and spectacular views above the treeline, though bugs have been reported as terrible in mid-September.
Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about North Fork Sauk River
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The bridge at Red Creek is damaged with missing handrails. While still considered usable by some hikers as of September 11, there's a sign to cross at your own risk. A rock crossing is also available and reported as clear of water as of September 11.
There are reports of downed trees on the trail, with some larger ones noted past the two-mile mark as of September 19. One report from July 26 mentioned navigating several newer downed trees, with one or two being challenging. Another report from September 14 indicated no tree blockages on the North Fork Sauk River Trail itself.
The Mountain Loop Highway gravel section is described as rough but passable by most vehicles as of September 19, with some potholes and minor rough sections. However, a report from September 14 stated the road was in smooth condition with very few bumpy sections, suitable for all vehicles. Be aware that a sign near the Lost Creek bridge noted a road closure ahead starting September 23, which is past the Lost Creek Bridge trailhead but before the North Fork Sauk River trailhead.
Bug reports vary significantly. As of September 19, bugs were not too bad. However, a report from September 14 described bugs as terrible, and another from July 4 noted mosquitoes were absolutely atrocious.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
A relaxing walk through the forest that leads to a gauntlet of brutal switchbacks up to the PCT. The views become spectacular above the tree line. Once I linked up to the PCT I headed north up to Red ...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Reporting road & trail conditions of trails covered with a 6-day orientation backpacking trip that I went on with WWU in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. We hiked the loop in the clockwise direction along...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We were looking for a mellow one-nighter without a lot of elevation and the North Fork Sauk to Mackinaw was it! The old growth forest is spectacular and the trail is in excellent condition.Road/Parkin...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Did a fun and easy one-night backpack to Mackinaw Shelter and back. What a gorgeous forest - incredible old cedars, doug firs, hemlocks, and a spruce or two. The trail is wide and soft, thanks to all ...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We started our day hike by climbing up the Red Mntn Trail to the old lookout site (a nice way to elevate the heart rate). There were several newer downed trees on thee trail; we were able to navigate ...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Did this loop clockwise starting at the North Fork Sauk trailhead with overnight stops at Red Creek, White Pass and Blue Lake.Day 1: North Fork Sauk Trailhead to Red CreekA pleasant if forgettable riv...
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
We did a big loop from North Fork Sauk up to White Pass, south on the PCT, then west on West Cady Ridge, connecting the Quartz Creek Trail and Bald Eagle Trail back to the car on FS 49 (Sauk River).Th...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
A longer, leisurely loop through Glacier Peak Wilderness! Highlights include watching a snake eat a slug larger than it's head, so many wildflowers, and fantastic views of Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, a...
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Two-night trip leaving July 4 and returning July 6. The road to the North Fork Sauk trailhead is driveable by any standard-clearance vehicle. A huge thank you to the WTA work parties who were out tack...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
only hiked first 3 miles. clear for first 2 miles, some larger trees down after 2 mile mark