Access: The Mountain Loop Highway from Barlow Pass to Forest Road 49 is mostly smooth, but has a few potholes. Forest Road 49 is riddled with potholes, some fairly sizeable, so drive with caution. Trail Conditions: I hiked the trail as far as Mackinaw Shelter and the trail is in good shape overall. There are a few very small, shallow streams to cross which pose no problems. Red Creek has a sturdy bridge over it, so crossing is not a problem. A couple spots were a bit muddy. There was one large tree (about 4 feet in diameter) across the trail requiring a scramble around on the downhill side; however, a couple Forest Service employees were heading in on my way out to take care of it. Flora and Fauna: Huge cedar and Douglas Fir line the trail. Foamflower is still blooming in the forest, and a couple of the more open, brushy areas of the trails have a few flowers still blooming (fireweed, pearly everlasting, even a couple of a paintbrush). A variety of mushrooms lined the trail. Views: This isn't the hike for big mountain views. On a sunny day there are a couple places where Sloan makes an appearance, but it was obscured by clouds today. Harold Engles Memorial Cedars Trail: The trail is in decent shape, but a bit overgrown. North Fork Sauk Falls: The trail is in good shape with a series of switchbacks and stairs leading down to the falls. The rocks at the bottom can be slick.

I had a full schedule Saturday afternoon and evening but was dying to get out as I hadn't been hiking in over 3 weeks. I opted for some short, easier stuff so I wouldn't wear myself out for my days later events. I took the scenic drive up the south side of Mountain Loop Highway over Barlow Pass and up to Bedal and FSR 49 to gain access to what I think is some of the best that Mountain Loop has to offer. My journey today would be great for showing out-of-towners and beginners what the Washington Cascades have to offer. The Mountain Loop once off the pavement was bumpy in places but I've seen worse and FSR 49 is in better shape than the loop and was pretty easy going for a dirt road. Fall colors are fading fast and there was just a touch of snow on the sides of the road at Barlow. I saw no cars at the Monte Cristo Trailhead either direction. It may finally be closed for the mine clean-up. My first stop was North Fork Sauk Falls. There is a small pullout a little over a mile past the FSR 49 turnoff and a post indicating a trail. The trail was covered in leaves but easy to follow. The stairs and platform at the bottom was slick, be very careful if you leave the platform to get a better view, there was a lot of slick rock and falling would mean a broken something at best. The falls were full and running fast with last weeks rains. A pretty sight to be sure with all the mist, moss and everything that makes the west side forest special. Next stop was the Harold Engles Memorial Cedar Grove about 3 miles up FSR 49. There is a sign board and even smaller pullout at the trailhead. This trail too was covered in dead, fallen leaves. About half way back the trail was hard to see. Just keep heading back toward the river, between 2 small trees and you'll get to the grove. The tree with the memorial plaque is one of the largest cedars I've seen. It is BIG, old and a sight to behold. Last stop was at the North Fork Sauk River Trailhead (another one of my favorites) for the short trek up to Red Mountain and its lookout of the valley. 2 cars were at the parking area when I arrived and 2 men took off up the river trail, I never saw them or anyone else while I was there. The Red Mountain Trail cuts off of the North Fork Sauk Trail just yards from the sign board. It quickly enters the Glacier Peak Wilderness and begins a 1 mile steep climb up to the sight of an old fire lookout. There were 4 big blowdowns that took a bit of maneuvering to get around but otherwise the trail is in good shape. At the top you get a sweeping view of the valley and great views of the surrounding peaks. You could hear the river several hundred feet below. I must have been just yards below the snow level as a fresh layer coated everything just above me on the opposite side of the valley. I stayed about 1/2 hour and had the place to myself. As usual, it was time to leave too soon but I was happy to sneak in another deep woods hike with some altitude before the snows come.

Some big cedars, mushrooms and waterfalls to be seen off of Forest Road 49 on the Mountain Loop. The falls are definitely worth the short, steep descent for a look. The Harold Engles Memorial Cedars trailhead is a little over 3 miles up the road on the right side. Just a sign at the side of the road. A couple of short loops here to wander around the woods. When you come to the Big Giant Cedar -- you'll know it when you see it -- the trail splits: left eventually dead-ended into brush, but was worth wandering around and passes the giant fallen cedar over the river; going right will take you to the cathedral-like ring of giant cedars. Beautiful! All kinds of mushrooms to be seen right now, adding to the woodsy fun.

I took my wife on three short hikes South of Darrington. The little jaunt down to North Fork Sauk Falls was a great stop because the flow was the best ever. The next destination two miles up the road was Harold Engles Memorial Cedars, which are truly impressive trees. There is a loop trail and a loop within the loop that leads to an excellent grove of giant cedars. The final hike was the Beaver Lake trail. We turned around just after the Beaver pond. There are several good viewpoints along the river. We capped the day with a picnic at the boat launch on Forest Road 22 beside the Sauk River. What a lovely day to enjoy the great outdoors. All trails are clear. There are a few muddy places, but no problems otherwise except a few nasty mosquitos and flies. Happy Fourth of July Hiking, Geezerhiker (More pictures below)