North Fork Sauk River
An 11 mile hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain though old growth forest along the North Fork Sauk River in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
Temporary Trail closures, August 2021
The North Fork Sauk Trail, Trail No. 649, will temporarily close for maintenance in Summer 2021. The trail will be closed Aug 5-11 and Aug 18-24. The closure will be between Mackinaw Shelter and the Pacific Crest Trail junction. Please check with the Darrington Ranger District for the most up to date information.
Getting there
On the Mountain Loop Highway, drive 16 miles south of Darrington or 26.2 miles east of Verlot to Forest Road 49. Turn east and proceed 6.4 miles to a sign for North Fork Sauk River parking lot.
on the trail
Old growth forest hike suitable for spring through fall, this trail also accesses the Glacier Peak area for backpacks. The first 5.5 miles follow the river valley upstream with many small ups and downs. At 5.5 miles is Mackinaw Shelter and the turn-around point for day hikers. The forest section does not have much in the way of views, but right near the beginning of the trail is a junction with the Red Mountain Lookout Trail, which climbs 700 feet in a mile to a viewpoint of the area.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
- Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 11.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
- 3,100 ft
-
Land Manager:
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Glacier Peak Wilderness, Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Sloan Peak No. 111
- Green Trails Glacier Peak No. 112
- Trails Illustrated Glacier Peak Wilderness
Upcoming Activities
There are no activities scheduled at this location.
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