North Fork Sauk Trail #649

North Fork Sauk Trail #649

Highlights: Mountain views, old growth, Glacier Peak Wilderness

Distance: 8.4 miles miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 3200 feet

Ending Elevation: 6000 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #111 Sloan Peak, 112 Glacier Peak

Visitor Use: Medium

SUMMARY:

This trail begins in an old-growth forest and enters Glacier Peak Wilderness at 0.5 mile. Climbing gradually, the trail passes through a magnificent cedar forest and occasional avalanche swaths. Campsites can be found at 3.5 miles at 2800 feet and at 5.0 miles at Mackinaw Shelter at 2950 feet.

From here the trail begins climbing with relentless switchbacks gaining 3000 feet in elevation in 3.0 miles. The switchbacks seem unending, but scenic vistas begin and improve as altitude is gained. The alpine meadows and the splendid view make it well worth the effort. At 8.4 miles the trail reaches the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.

From here one can go north on the Pacific CrestTrail to Red Pass and beyond, or make a loop by taking the Pacific Crest Trail south, traveling 6.5 miles to Dishpan Gap, then 11.0 miles on the Pilot Ridge Trail #652, returning to the North Fork Sauk Trail. Total length would be 26.0 miles. See Pilot Ridge Trail #652 for further information.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Darrington, take the Mountain Loop Highway 17.0 miles to the Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn left. Or from the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), drive east along the Mountain Loop Highway 27.0 miles to the Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn right.

Follow this road 6.6 miles to the trailhead.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

Darrington, Mountain Loop Highway

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

1405 Emmens St. Darrington, WA 98241

Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm(360) 436-1155

Verlot PublicService Center

Open Thursday - Monday8 am - 4:30 pm (360) 691-7791

TRAIL REVIEW submit your review

Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.