Sauk Mountain - WA

Sauk Mountain - Recently I read about this hike and was intrigued.  Drive up to trailhead at 4,000 ft on the rather rough forest road - pot holes and wash board.....but, no worries, you don't need a SUV, carefully driving, though.  The trail is short - 4.5 miles RT, and only 1,200 ft gain.  However, be well prepared for the steady elevation gain up on the very steep face of Sauk Mountain.  Also, the trail faces to west/south, which means you have to fight with the direct sun when it's sunny. So, bring plenty of water and sun screen.   The day I went was cloudy, so it was cool and comfortable....and luckily bugs were quiet!  The views at the summit were cloud covered, but I found it mystically beautiful and enchanting....crags, wild flower meadows and emerald green Sauk Lake are among Sauk Mountain's beauties. While clouds lingered to hide the spectacular mountain vistas (Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak and N. Cascades), a special treat was lots of wildflowers and marmots!  I saw at least four friendly marmots along the trail. 

It's a rather long drive from Seattle (3 hrs), but worthwhile for going to Sauk Mountain - great getaway for breathtaking mountain views, wild flowers and making friends with marmots in this short hike.

Round trip	4.2 miles
Elevation Gain	1190 ft
Highest Point	5537 ft