Sauk Mountain, Off Hwy 20 Rockport, WA. Most of the trail is snow free. Wildflowers nice but many varieties still in bud. Big show should be from July 22 on. One caveat: This family caliber hike was just written up in local Skagit Valley Herald newspaper as ""Hike of the Week"" and the switchback trail had the appearance of the waiting line for the most popular ride at Disneyworld. If you hike this trail and see anyone cutting switchbacks, you have my permission to kick them in the ankle as they pass by.

The trail is clear to the ridge, with snow patches on the slope before the last section to the lookout site. Bugs were minimal. Flowers were great. A fair number of folks on the trail, but hardly surprising considering the views.

Four cars were in the parking lot on our arrival at the trailhead. The trail was in mostly good shape but several witnessed falls and a few slips of my own were caused by trail narrowing hidden on the downhill side by brush. One lady in sneakers (not advised due to lots of loose rock) took a good tumble onto her knees. The trail was hot and the bugs plentifull, but the views and the meadows in bloom made it worthwhile. We did the long jaunt down to the lake which was almost warm enough to swim and one fellow actually swam to the middle. Not a good trail to rush on due to loose footing and steep drops on some of the switchback turns. We were able to see Ranier from the top.

Snow starts at 3.5 miles up Sauk Mountain road. The trail in broken on the road for about another 2 miles. The next 2.5 miles I had to break in with snow shoes. The snow depth is about 2 1/2 feet. I started up the hiking trail along the ridge for about a mile and then avalanche danger was to high and headed down. So I did not make it to the lookout. Great views down towards Marblemount.

Another great day for hiking. The trail starts at 4,300 feet and climbs 1,200 feet over 2 miles or so. Bug repellent a definite must. On the way up you can see the wildflowers and the Skagit Valley below. A little snow in spots about 1/5 mile from the top. Total hike to the top, just over 1 hour. At the top (5,537 feet), I could see Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and Glacier Peak. It took a lot of energy but the scenic view was worth every step.