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North Fork Sauk River


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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 CLOSURE SCHEDULED

The North Fork Sauk Trail No. 649 between Mackinaw Shelter and its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) will be closed Aug 8-15, 2018. The closure is necessary for public safety as trail workers will be using explosives for trail reconstruction along the PCT.  Very steep slopes at the PCT work site will likely send rock and debris rolling down into the closure area.  It is extremely important that this area remains vacant during this period.

RESOURCES & MORE INFO

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
Map
  • Green Trails Sloan Peak No. 111
  • Green Trails Glacier Peak No. 112
  • Trails Illustrated Glacier Peak Wilderness
Activities

Upcoming Activities

There are no activities scheduled at this location.

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