Beautiful

It was my second visit. The view was amazing all the way from the parking lot. The toilet at the TH was clean enough.
It is impressive. No pass required!
But the most difficult point of this hike is driving on the forest road.
My compact SUV was driving well on such a rough and narrow road. Even though the driver and her fellow aside were very nervous for 30 miniutes. That made them feel tired already when they reached the TH.
Be ready and wish you luck!

The trail itself is in good condition other than the side trails that people have made to cut the switchbacks. Don't be that person. I felt it was a moderate ascent to the top, but everybody has a different fitness level. The views are amazing, starting with the parking lot. Speaking of the parking lot, I arrived around 10am on a Friday. There were about 5 cars in the lot. When I returned to the lot around 1230, it was packed with no available spots. Wildflowers are still out, but they are starting to fade. This is a gorgeous short hike with the option of going down to the lake, which I chose not to do at this time. The road, as others have said, is full of potholes and ruts. I think any car can make it if you go slow. I saw a prius at the trailhead, so it's definitely doable. The forest service road is long so be prepared for that. Overall, it was a great hike with spectacular views.

Something to note...It says this road is steep, but most all cars can do it. I would agree until you get about 0.2 miles from the trail head parking lot. I refused to try to go further in my mini cooper because at this last corner, there's a huge rutty area and it was too risky to try. 

This hike was beautiful! So many flowers and the view just wouldn't quit. We saw marmots, bumble bees, and a couple of weird mountain chickens. 

When we got back closer to the parking lot, a buzzing insect started terrorizing us. We got back in the car and it perched on the outside mirror. It was quite hideous! Not a bug expert, but I'm guessing it was a horse fly?

Sauk mountain continues to be one of the prettiest hikes that is for everyone.  It is shorter than most. The drive is slow, and does take a bit to get up to the trailhead itself.  The last portion has exposed rocks in the road and must be driven up slowly. The hike itself begins with numerous switchbacks providing you with beautiful views of the Skagit and Sauk along the way as you ascend.  Upon reaching the top of the switchbacks the trail turns left. You're immediately blown away by the vastness of the Cascade Mountain range. You are rewarded with a 360-degree view of Baker, Shuksan, Glacier and Whitehouse plus numerous others.  As you continue along the trail you get a beautiful view of Sauk Lake below.  The last part of the hike has you scrambling up a steeper, rocky path to the top. Take your time as there is loose gravel and can be slippery. Overall, the hike up and back is approximately 4-3/4 miles and takes 2 hours. The views at the top are breathtaking.  You will want to stay and have a snack and soak it all in, but don't leave your food out as the chipmunks will try to run away with it.   Enjoy.