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Trip Report

North Fork Sauk River, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass & Suiattle River Trail — Monday, Jul. 24, 2023

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Coming down from Red Pass

Our group of 7 (ages 15 to 67), entered the PCT via North Fork Sauk TH to White Pass (road to TH in pretty bad shape), followed it to the Suiattle River crossing (much better road!), exited via Suiattle River trail.  Easy travel, trail freshly fixed and brushed up to White Pass, and then into the White Chuck river valley - where things did change!

Broken bridge over Baekos Creek still standing (we camped there the first night); bridge over Kennedy Creek has disappeared; it was raging after an inch of rain the night before; we detoured up river and found an easier crossing, about calf/knee deep for a few steps. Trekking poles were useful for balance but a stick would have worked as well. Many downed trees, some of immense size all the way to the exit, and sections of heavy brush.

Camped at Mica Lake in drizzle, but the next morning it cleared up and we went for a swim! The water is noticeably warmer than other mountain lakes, which was quite surprising.  

Water is sparse between Milk Creek and East Fork Milk Creek, and then again down to Vista Creek; but plentiful on the Suiattle River Trail. 

Encountered a few N-S PCT thru hikers, but overall a great sense of solitude and remoteness. Good up close views of elusive Glacier Peak. Berries are starting to ripen; many flowers in bloom but not very lush - probably due to the dry weather we've had. 

Approaching Fire Creek Pass
Descending from Mica Lake
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