Heather - Maple Pass Loop
5 days ago
Early winter conditions with intermittent snow
23 this month · 179 reports
Sauk Mountain
North Cascades
updated 2 weeks ago
The trail to Sauk Mountain is reported as being in good condition overall, with intermittent snow near the top as of October 24. However, a report from September 20 highlights significant erosion on the trail, creating dangerous sections with no room for error, and strongly recommends poles and proper footwear. The road to the trailhead is also noted as rough, with some reports suggesting it requires high clearance vehicles, as seen on September 20 and August 3, although one report from October 24 states it is suitable for all vehicles. Bugs have not been a significant issue in recent reports.
Generated from 66 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Sauk Mountain
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the trailhead is described as rough by multiple reports, with significant potholes and ruts. As of September 20, it was recommended for high clearance vehicles only. However, one recent report from October 24 indicated the road was suitable for all vehicles, suggesting conditions may vary.
Yes, significant erosion has created dangerous sections on the trail with no room for error, as noted in a report from September 20. This report strongly recommends poles and proper footwear. Other minor obstacles like downed trees have also been reported, but were passable as of September 18.
Intermittent snow was reported near the top of the trail on October 24, though it was not difficult to cross. Prior to that, on October 18, the trail was reported as snow-free.
Bugs have not been a significant problem in recent reports. Multiple trip reports from September 18, August 10, August 3, and July 29 state that bugs were not too bad or not present.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Snow fell near the top of the trail and the snow level fell through the afternoon. Trail was good for the most part. Be careful of washed out parts. Bring 10 essentials!
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Trail to summit Sauk mtn and route to lake are in great shape. Expect frozen and slippery trail pre sun exposure, muddy after. Ascent out of lake is great cardio.
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
I want to start by saying I've done this trail at least a half dozen times in the past 10 years. It's one of my all time favorites because it's a relatively short, high reward experience.Having said t...
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Trailhead access to Sauk Mountain and Lake were closed when I showed up midday due to SAR for missing hiker. This info was not available yet online when I headed out Friday morning. I had a backup hik...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
With good air quality, clear of smoke and cloud free skies back in the picture, made a trip up to Suak Mountain. The weather was perfect on this day and it was not hot either. Suak Mountain is one of ...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
There was wildfire smoke, obscuring the views of surrounding peaks and valleys more than usual. However, Mt. Baker was still visible, as were some of the other peaks of the North Cascades. There are a...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Pretty narrow, but ok for kids and dogs who are well behaved. Dangerously steep in some places and somewhat strenuous. Very little shade so wear sunscreen. Don't go if cloudy or you'll see very littl...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
With rain in the forecast, we decided to shorten our hiking plans and go for Sauk Mountain. We were not disappointed, even with minimal views in the clouds today. The wildflowers appear to be just pas...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Views were amazing the whole trip. However, the road was very difficult to pass with a regular car and the trail itself was far more dangerous than what I expect from a trail with a "moderate" rating.