North Fork Sauk River — Sunday, May. 22, 2005

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

My co'worker and friend, Lou, and I went on this trail to ""try out"" her knee braces. We wanted something without elevation gain since going downhill is agony for her. We also wanted a trail beautiful in and of itself, with out needing to reach a particular destination. That way we could stop and turn around when her knees had reached their max. This river valley trail is one of my favorites! The Mountain Loop highway from Darrington is in good shape, with a few pot holes as usual. Likewise for the North Fork Sauk river road #49. There were a few rough places that have been washed out and repaired, my passanger car had no problem if I went slow. At the trail head was a forest service camp set up with a huge tent. Further up the trail we met the crew of folks working on re-routing the section of trail that washed out (last year, I think). Other then that the trail was in good condition, for the distance we travled. From the very start, are amazing old growth trees, gigantic skunk cabbage and lots of ferns and moss. Even the Trilliums, were larger then usual! Their blooms were fadded, but the Bunch Berry Dogwoods were starting to bloom. False Solomans Seal was in full bloom along with Rosey Twisted Stalk and Wild Ginger. The Vine Maple is brilliant with it's bright new green leaves. Lou pointed out a Yew tree, to me. I have probably seen them before but never realized that was what it was! In the first mile or so were some areas of trail that had been flooded, from the ridge above, and left rocks on the trail. At about one mile the trail crosses a rocky creek where you get a stunning view of Sloan Peak. When we reached the Pilot Ridge trail junction we stopped and had a nice break down by the river before heading back. It is so peacful to sit and gaze at water rushing over boulders in a creek! As I poked around with my camera looking for the perfect shot of the water to ""frame up"", Lou gazed at the same creek wondering which little pocket would have a fish in it. We had a wonderful time, enjoying all the beauty nature has to offer. The weather was good, cool and great for hiking in a tee shirt. There were occasional sun breaks, and as we were driving back out, some showers.