Red Mountain Trail #651

Highlights: Mountain views, old growth forest, lookout

Distance: 0.9 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 2100 feet at North Fork Sauk Trail

Ending Elevation: 2800 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

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

Visitor Use: Low

SUMMARY:

This seldom-used trail leads through an old-growth forest with magnificent, large trees to the site of an old fire lookout built in the 1930's. Some of the firs in the deep forest on both sides of the trail are as thick at the base as a man is tall.

Excellent views of the glaciers of Pride Basin and south may be had from the old lookout site. A short distance beyond the lookout, the trail ends at a rock outcropping.

There is a trail of sorts that continues on past this outcropping and goes straight up. This section is strenuous and not for the inexperienced hiker since the elevation gain is 5000 feet within 4.0 miles of climbing. The blazes are old and not easily seen. There are rewards, however, for the views are beautiful as you climb higher. A semi-trail leads to the 4.0-acre Ruby Lake, which is in a 5100 foot basin just below Red Mountain.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Darrington, travel the Mountain Loop Highway approximately 17.0 miles to the Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn left. Follow the road for 6.6 miles to the North Fork Sauk Trail #649. The Red Mountain Trail begins 100 yards in from trailhead, on the left.

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

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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.