Sauk Mountain Trailhead — Attraction in Sedro-Woolley

I read the reviews, saw it in a book and thought…let’s give it a shot. It can’t be that bad since it’s only rated a 2 difficulty.

From the moment you turn onto the gravel road leading up to the trailhead, your adventure begins. The road is excitingly narrow, has some epic potholes, and has more twists and turns than the movie From Dusk til Dawn. Make sure you know how to put your car into a lower gear and that your brakes are good for the descent after your hike.

After wondering when the 8 mile road is going to end, there’s a clearing in the thick trees and you see a clearing on the side of the mountain with some lines zig-zagging on it. You get slightly terrified and say to yourself, “that can’t be the trail”, right as it disappears behind the trees again.

The rock that blocks the road to the parking lot is bigger than a car. Fortunately, people got tired of waiting for someone to move it and made a path around it. So, you can now drive to the parking lot. Woohoo!

Upon entering the parking lot you see that clearing from earlier you didn’t think could possibly be the trail. It is. That’s the one. This is where the pre-pucker begins.

After getting out of the car, I needed to pee. Looked around and saw no facilities, so I peed by my car. Got some relief and marked my territory at the same time.

After zipping up, I got my first really good glimpse of what I had gotten myself into. If you’re scared of heights, you will quickly reach a Pucker Factor of around 7-8. The angle at which this hike rises is no joke, and there are no trees to shield you the terrors below you.

At this point a decision has to be made. Do I go for it, or do I tuck my tail between my legs and make the winding descent of shame 8 miles back down the mountain in the comfort of my car?

Well, my momma didn’t raise a quitter. Unfortunately, she did raise someone afraid of heights.

I took a deep breath and we started down the trail. Thirty seconds into the hike, guess what? There’s a hidden outhouse! We wondered how many others relieved themselves in the parking lot not realizing just behind the small patch of trees was a cute little a-frame crapper.

Once you clear the patch of trees by the parking lot you reach the wide open spaces of the side of the mountain and the trail. This is where us elevationally challenged people reach Pucker Factor 10. Look up. Pucker. Look down. Pucker some more.

I clenched that sucker tight and kept going. Looking straight down at my feet, but moving. I gave it a good effort, but at the first of 25 switchbacks, I knew this wasn’t going to be able to maintain that level of pucker for 24 more.

While I didn’t make it this time, I’ll be back. For those who have no height issues, do not skip this one. It looks like an amazing hike with amazing...

A Switchback Wonderland

If you're looking for a hike that tests your endurance with a generous dose of switchbacks but rewards you with absolutely breathtaking views, Sauk Mountain is an unmissable experience in the North Cascades. Having recently tackled this trail, I can confidently say it's a gem, albeit one that makes you earn every single vista.

The most striking feature of the Sauk Mountain trail is undoubtedly the crazy number of switchbacks. From the moment you start, the trail zig-zags relentlessly up the mountainside. While this might sound daunting, it's actually quite well-graded, making the ascent manageable, even if it feels never-ending at times. Each turn offers a slightly different perspective, slowly revealing the grandeur of the surrounding landscape.

Even in July, don't be surprised to encounter patches of snow, especially on the north-facing slopes. This adds an interesting element to the hike, providing a cool contrast to the otherwise exposed trail. A good pair of waterproof boots and perhaps trekking poles can be helpful for navigating these sections, though they are generally well-trodden.

But the real payoff for all that effort comes at the top: a rocky, awesome view of the Skagit Valley. The panorama from the summit is simply spectacular. You're treated to sweeping vistas of the valley floor, the meandering Skagit River, and the surrounding peaks. On a clear day, the sense of scale is immense, and you can truly appreciate the vastness and beauty of this corner of Washington. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch, take countless photos, and simply soak in the tranquility of the high country.

In summary, Sauk Mountain is a fantastic hike for those who don't mind a sustained climb. The switchbacks are plentiful, the lingering snow adds character, and the ultimate reward of the Skagit Valley view is well worth every step. Highly recommended for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding day in...

Beautiful views from up here.

Even if you can't hike, you can enjoy the fantastic views from the parking area and the beginning of the trail.

It is steep so there are numerous switchbacks. Pay attention to your footing while hiking. People have decided to hike vertically cutting through switch backs, eroding the trail. There have been injuries and even death from falling, so please use caution.

This trail begins and ends in high mountain meadows offering wildflowers and spectacular views. Hike through 26 switchbacks in the first 1.5 miles to a junction with Sauk Lake Trail 613.1. Stay to the left for Sauk Mountain.

The last half-mile of the main trail swings north to the top of the ridge at 5,300-feet elevation. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the North Cascades, where on a clear day you can see Mt. Rainier to the south, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the west and the Cascade mountains stretching to the east.

Beautiful wildflowers bloom in July and August that includes paintbrush, phlox, tiger lilies, aster, columbine, lupine and...