Hike of the Week: Sauk River

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy this Wild and Scenic River

Sauk River

No sulking along the dynamic Sauk




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

May 5, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 6.0 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Access: From Darrington, head south on the Mountain Loop Highway for just over two miles to trailhead.
Green Trails Map: Silverton, WA No. 110
Notes: Northwest Forest Pass Required ($5 day/$30 annual)


A federally protected Wild and Scenic River, the Sauk is one of the major tributaries to the Skagit. And like the Skagit River, the Sauk supports a wide array of wildlife and provides critical habitat for Puget Sound salmon. The Sauk also provides winter habitat for bald eagles, supporting one of the largest populations of our national symbol in the lower forty-eight states.
The Old Sauk River Trail hugs the riverbank of this ecologically important and splendidly scenic waterway for three virtually flat miles. With an elevation below 1,000 feet, the Old Sauk River Trail rarely sees snow, making it one of the few winter hiking choices along the Mountain Loop Highway. In the winter months, bald eagle sightings are guaranteed.
Take to this trail now-in spring-and enjoy a splendid floral show. You’ll be treated to a brilliant display that includes; trillium, dwarf dogwood, wood violet, twin flower, bleeding heart, and star flower.
Spring is also a perfect time to take a lazy hike along the glacial-fed waters of the Sauk. Watch dippers flit on river rocks. Listen to thrushes bring the surrounding forest alive in song. Sit along grassy banks. Soak your feet in the cool waters while letting your body soak up the sun’s warming rays.
In the wet fall months, the river’s volume and currents increase. It doesn’t stop tenacious salmon from reaching their spawning grounds. The river is prone to flooding during these soggy months, so inquire at the ranger station in Darrington before setting out. On more than a few occasions the river has jumped its bed and taken a piece of the trail with it. But this trail is too admired to let go-determined volunteers have continuously rebuilt it. They have also shown that this trail, like the river it embraces, is truly dynamic.

Sauk River is one of the highlighted hikes in the new and free 32-page color brochure, Hiking Snohomish County, published by the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. Get your copy today!