North Fork Sauk River, Pilot Ridge — Monday, Jul. 31, 2006

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Looped around N. Fork of Sauk River counterclockwise up Pilot Ridge with two nights near White Chuck Cinder Cone. N. Fork Sauk can be crossed fairly easily on large logs. Pilot Ridge trail very steep with plenty of roots and rocks. Last water at 4800' until nearly coming to Blue Lake. Don't be decieved! - my watch showed a cumulative elevation gain for over 5200' to Blue Lake. It is a long day but the meadows are well worth the effort. Bear sighted. Meadow trails look in danger of being taken over by grasses along lengthy portions of Pilot Ridge. Connector trail up out of Blue Lake also very steep - might be dangerous in wet or snowy weather. Some mosquitoes, flies about - not bad. PCT overall in good shape but overgrown after the Indian Pass detour. Snowed over an inch above 5500' on the 29th/30th but should be gone now. N. Fork Sauk trail maintained and brushed to fairly high standard. Enjoy!