North Fork Sauk River — Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Jonathan and I were surprised that not only is the entire Mountain Loop snow-free, FS 49 (N Fk Sauk River Rd) is completely snow free, at least to the trailhead. Even more surprising was that skunk cabbage is beginning to poke up along the trail! The shrubbery has a red haze of new growth, and the lichens are fruiting. Without the heavy vegetation of late spring and summer, you can see deep into the forest. We didn't go far; not even to Red Creek - we were there to have fun with photography, and the N Fk Sauk trail always, always, always - provides wonderful photo ops. The Mountain View Cafe is Robe is now open! CASH or CHECKS ONLY! Limited menu for now - hamburgers, BLTs, French dips....sirloin steak, T-bone. No pie yet, but....their Grand Opening is Valentine's Day, and surely they'll have sumpin' sweet to eat then.