Sauk Mountain
Route:
Snow-covered trail
snowshoe
A popular summer hike that is more adventurous and less crowded once snow begins to accumulate.
Region: Washington
Elev: 5,541 ft
Type:
Date(s): November 6, 2011 (Sun)
Partner(s): Sue Abegg
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 | Aerial photo of Sauk Mountain (taken after this trip, in February 2012). This photo represents winter conditions. |
 | We parked on the road at about 3400 ft, about 2 miles from the trailhead. We could have probably driven a bit further, but just a few hundred feet higher and the snow was too deep to drive anyway. By December, there is often snow on the road down to the highway level, making it a very long 8 mile roadwalk to get to the peak. Once at the official trailhead, it is a mere 2.5 miles and 1200 ft to the top. |
 | Surface hoarfrost alongside the road. |
 | Surface hoarfrost alongside the road. |
 | My mom at the official trailhead sign. It took us an hour to get here from where we parked our car. From here, it is a mere 2.5 miles and 1200 ft to the top. |
 | The trail goes across this slope. An easy trail in the summer, this becomes icy in the fall, and an avalanche track in the winter and summer. |
 | Icicles are cool. Cold, actually. |
 | Approaching the freshly snow-dusted summit of Sauk Mountain. |
 | On the summit ridge of Sauk. Skagit and Sauk Rivers a few thousand feet below. |
 | Hiking out. It is pretty up here when there is snow. |
 | Freshly snow-laden trees in the afternoon sun. |
 | Mini snowman spotted at the trailhead parking lot. |