North Fork Sauk River, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass — Friday, Oct. 25, 2013

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

1.5 day backpacking trip. From the North Fork Sauk river trail to the 8.4 mile, 5,800 ft junction with PCT. North on the PCT to Kennedy Creek (17.8 miles total), and back. Trail is clear and easily traveled to the junction with the PCT. Very minor snow patches nearing the upper end of the N fork Sauk trail. Plenty of water on the trail, even 1/3 of the way and 2/3 of the way up the climb between Mackinaw Shelter and junction with PCT. No need to crawl into the ravine when you hear water (as I did), it crosses the trail a bit higher up. As you turn the corner towards Red Pass, there is some solid snow. Microspikes or crampons recommended if early in the day. Once you enter Glacier Peak Meadows (just past red pass), there is up to 4' of snow. I entered around 11:30 AM, and sank in about 1.5'. There were day-old tracks that sunk in about 3'. By now I suppose it has snowed there again, and snowshoes or skis could be needed. If it snows while you are there it would be quite difficult to exit without snow travel gear. The huckleberries in Glacier Peak Meadows are still abundant and edible, though a bit past their prime. Spectacular views and easy hiking (once you leave the snow behind) from Glacier Meadows down to the robust bridge over White Chuck River. The only blow downs which require a bit of agility to negotiate are on the last bit of the northbound approach to Kennedy Creek. There are also a couple of muddy mires as you approach Kennedy Creek. Turned around at Kennedy Creek, and camped near White Chuck River, for a 22 mile day. As soon as I got on the trail the next morning (3AM), a porcupine was southbound on the trail. He obligingly climbed a tree and let us pass. Got some rubber legs climbing from the White Chuck at 4,200 ft to Red Pass (6,500'), and had to rest a few times traversing Glacier Peak Meadows. However my plan to cross back through before the sun hit the snow worked, an I easily traveled over the snow crust with microspikes, arriving back at Red Pass at 7AM, with dry feet. Happy to see my truck when we arrived at the parking lot at 1:30 PM, and bonus it was not even broken into by the thieves which frequent this area. Saw some hunters in the parking lot, but no one else the entire trip.