North Fork Sauk Trail #649
| Trail Uses |  |
Length | 8.4 miles one-way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season of Use | Summer / Fall | Beginning Elevation | 2100 feet |
| Visitor Use | Low | Ending Elevation | 6000 feet |
| Map(s) | Green Trails: Sloan Peak #111, Glacier Peak #112 | Level of Difficulty | Most Difficult |
Access:
From the Darrington Ranger Station, take the Mountain Loop Highway 17.0 miles to the Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn left. Follow this road 6.6 miles to the trailhead.
From the Verlot Public Service Center, drive east along the Mountain Loop Highway 27.0 miles the Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn right. Follow this road 6.6 miles to the trailhead.
Attractions & Considerations:
This trail begins in an old-growth forest and enters Glacier Peak Wilderness at 0.5 miles. Climbing gradually, the trail passes through a magnificent cedar forest and occasional avalanche swaths. Campsites can be found at 3.5 miles at 2800 ft. elevation and at 5.0 miles at Mackinaw Shelter at 2950 feet in elevation.
From here the trail begins climbing with relentless switchbacks gaining 3000 feet in elevation is 3.0 miles. The switchbacks seem unending, but scenic vistas begin and improve as altitude is gained. The alpine meadows and the splendid view make it well worth the effort. At 8.4 miles the trail reaches the PCT #2000. From here one can go north on the PCT to Red Pass and beyond, or make a loop by taking the PCT south, traveling 6.5 mile to Dishpan Gap, then 11.0 miles on the Pilot Ridge Trail #652, returning to the North Fork Sauk Trail. Total length would be 26.0 miles. See Pilot Ridge Trail #652 for further information.