We were seeking a nice and easy forest/river hike and this trail was perfect! We parked at the middle ADA lot since it was the only trailhead with a toilet (which was surprisingly clean and not stinky, which for a vault toilet is a miracle!) Drove by the first lot which had 4-5 cars. We arrived at the middle trailhead at just after 2pm and there were no other cars. Using the ADA trail, we opted to do a 'T' hike, heading first towards Murphy Creek then doubling back and hiking the length of the main trail to the North trailhead, then returned back to the middle trailhead. It was a gorgeous day. The Murphy Creek trailhead had 3 cars when we arrived. Very few people on the trail. Beautiful river views along the way. Our favorite stretch was between the ADA trail and Murphy Creek. The trail was nice and loamy, not compacted at all. The sounds of a raging river and singing birds were very relaxing, especially since the hike is a level forest walk. There were 3-4 downed trees along the main trail, all were small and easy to step over. Made it back to the car at around 6pm, our vehicle was still the only one in the lot.

Arrived at the second parking lot (the second one when you are coming from Darrington) and we were the only car at 11:20 am. We passed by the first lot because there were about 4 cars there already. The second lot has an outhouse (and map) if you need it, whereas the first lot has neither. The outhouse was clean and stocked with TP, no hand sanitizer dispenser so make sure to BYOS. 

We took the ADA Loop clockwise so at the fork at the start, we went left. The ADA trail is wide and gravel-covered. It could use some TLC as there's starting to be some overgrown small weeds, but nothing crazy and trail is clear of any obstacles. 

When we met up with the Old Sauk River Trail, we headed west (left) to continue on the river trail towards the first parking lot. The trail can get narrow in parts but we were still able to easily social distance with the folks we came across. Once we reached the first parking lot, we headed back the way we came and finished the ADA Loop to make it back to our car. 

Nice, flat, easy hike even for this pregnant woman in her third trimester. If you're here on a sunny day, you'll have shade/coverage from the trees. There are some nice overlooks to the river but if you are looking for easy access to the river, where there is space to "enjoy" the river, there are probably better hikes for that. There are some outlets along this trail where you can go down to the river -- one of them took us to a spot that didn't have much space along the river (so, nowhere to really sit and enjoy your lunch if that's what you had in mind) and the other required some bushwhacking to get to the river. 

We totaled 6 miles and came across four or five other pairs/groups. And saw a few river rafters in the water from a distance. 

A little clarification:  I mention Kelcema Lake only because the road conditions are actually 'Road recommended for high clearance only' as opposed to my "Road suitable for all vehicles' which applies to Old Sauk ADA Loop.  Deer Creek Road is very rough at 2 miles, the gravel portion is a lot more uneven than it appears in the picture with some deep holes.  Our Toyota Sienna minivan would not have made it without bottoming out and as you can see by the picture a Bronco didn't make it though I suspect other conditions may have applied there.  But I digress! 

After turning around we stopped at the Big Four parking lot for a peek at the mountain which had many impressive waterfalls tumbling down its face. From there we proceeding down the MLH which was rough in the unpaved section with many potholes but not bad if driven with care.  We passed by many more waterfalls and briefly stopped at the Lookout Tree Trail but there were a few people milling about so we proceeded on to the Old Sauk River Trail and took the ADA Loop.  This is a great trail, we actually took the Murphy Creek spur as well out to where it met the river.  Lots of big trees, cool fungus, and a few flowers thrown in here and there.  A great way to spend my sixtieth birthday with my two favorite things: family and hiking.

Dwarf dogwood flowers are blooming! Nice wide obstacle-free trail to view old growth trees, moss, wildflowers, and a variety of ferns. A number of trees with red dots have been recently cut down. The rivers were running strong and wide after Saturday's storm. 

Walked the Old Sauk River Trail and the ADA Loop Saturday morning starting from the southern ADA parking lot trailhead.  Both trails really are in great shape, dry, brushed back, well maintained. The vault toilet at the ADA lot was in good working order.  No immediate evidence of carprowl in this lot however there were a couple non-hiking/fishing folks lingering in the lot who left after we pulled in and walked over to introduce ourselves to them - take that for what it’s worth.  

The trails offer really nice views of the Sauk in many places and a couple folks were out trying their hand with fly fishing gear.  The forest is really beautiful in this area - it is second growth, there is clearly evidence of the old growth logged off - but it must have been really early as some of the second growth conifer, (grand fir?) are gigantic.  A few early easy mushrooms have popped up. There are bear in the area warnings though we did not see any sign. River Time Brewing right in downtown Darrington makes a good “recovery drink” stop if you are into that sort of thing.