The road leading to the North fork of the Sauk River is clear and fine for driving as of 03/18/2024 if you're fine with a few inches of snow that turn to slush in the afternoon. Mountain Loop from Darrington is as potholey as ever, but totally snow and tree-free.
The trail itself is fine for hiking until the shelter if you've got waterproof boots and don't mind some snow (occasional patches of 2ft+, but mostly 4-8 inches). Many fallen trees, including on a bridge. We brought skis for Glacier Peak, and there were a bunch of booting and skiing transitions in the first 6 miles of forested path. Kind of a pain.
Going up to White Pass, the trail became totally snow-covered only After around 4500ft or so. Patchy before that. You will want skis for sure, unless you are fine side-hilling on snowshoes. Foul wet loose Avalanche conditions this week on the way to the pass, on S-facing slopes.
The summer trail that goes to Glacier Peak is not good for skiing unless you have enough fresh snow to sidehill. We did not and it was a very icy and steep 0400 start from White Pass to Glacier. I suggest skiing from Red Pass over the ridge to avoid the heinous traverse.
Incredible old growth and stunning vistas. I will be back.
The summer trail that goes to Glacier Peak is not good for skiing unless you have enough fresh snow to sidehill. We did not and it was a very icy and steep 0400 start from White Pass to Glacier. I suggest skiing from Red Pass over the ridge to avoid the heinous traverse.
Incredible old growth and stunning vistas. I will be back.
Comments
Was the road driveable all the way to the North Fork Sauk River Trailhead?
Posted by:
kyleh583 on Mar 27, 2024 09:05 AM
No. We had to park 3.5 miles before the trailhead. But I have an old Subaru outback with not much clearance.
I'm unsure what the road looks like now. I imagine the rain washed away a good amount of the remaining snow, but I'm unsure.
Posted by:
Kmino on Mar 27, 2024 09:10 AM
Nice photos!
Posted by:
Apheta on Apr 29, 2025 02:17 PM