North Fork Sauk River — Saturday, Aug. 12, 2000

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Took my 11-year-old son on the trudge up to Red Pass. Had read warning about no bridge at Red Creek, and it still was a problem as of Aug. 12. Must take off boots and wade just upstream of trail crossing at shallow point. (Or just get your boots wet). Trail above Makinaw Shelter is as tough as they come, and the flies are terrible til you get to the 5,800 foot level. Wildflowers make up for any discomfort though. Plenty of snow below Red Pass - and more people than I would have imagined for a mid-week trip. I hadn't done this trip since 1973 and was not disappointed. One of the prettiest vistas anywhere in the US. Trail is very dusty above 5,000 feet, so plan on being covered in dirt if you're in a group or following someone.