Old Sauk River Trail — Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025

Yesterday, I decided to go out and conduct one of my first WTA scouting activities of the season at the Old Sauk River Trail near Darrington.  WTA usually has worked on this trail for the last several years getting it ready for the summer hiking season.  This trail has three access points along the Mountain Loop Highway.  I parked at the northern trail head and hiked down to the southern-most trailhead and then took the ADA trail loop up to the central(main) trailhead and back to my car.  No one else was out today so it was very quiet except for the roar of the river.  The Sauk River is up two feet in depth with the recent heavy rains.  The rest room at the center trailhead is open, clean, and well supplied. 

Normally, on a scouting trip I walk all the way to the end, and then begin recording all the maintenance issues so I have a good idea of how many issues warrant going into a report.  The good news today is that this trail system is in excellent shape.  On a typical visit in the spring, WTA is cutting out fallen logs, trimming back brush, and adding drains to the trail to remove water.  Yes, there were a few items to address, but most hikers will think they are on a superhighway forest trail.  Only a couple of small trees on the ground to step over with no water on the trail. 

I really enjoyed the walk today.  Many of the social trails down to the river were inaccessible today.  The high water has flooded the side channels blocking many access points.  There was very little beach when the trail did loop right to the river.  I avoided the fast-moving water else end up on a bridge abutment near Mount Vernon. 

This is a trail for every age and experience level.  It is relatively flat and well groomed.  It helps people understand what it is like to be in a typical west slope forest in the Cascades.  The ADA loop out of the central trailhead is in excellent shape.  The trail is well packed gravel going down to the river and around for an approximately one-mile loop. 

Please consider this trail when you are in the Darrington area.  It is one of the local gems for any person (hiker or not).