Fed by crashing tributaries and glacial melt, the Sauk River’s waters are cool and clear. From an old mining district tucked in craggy formidable peaks, the Sauk, in Washington’s central Cascades, flows northward through primeval forest and pocket prairies before braiding and reaching the Skagit River. And like the Skagit, this major tributary is a federally protected Wild and Scenic River. It flows freely, supports a wide array of wildlife, and provides critical habitat for Puget Sound salmon. And like the Skagit and the Nooksack River farther north, this mighty river is also winter habitat for scores of bald eagles from Northern British Columbia and Southeastern Alaska.

The Old Sauk River Trail hugs the riverbank of this strikingly beautiful waterway for 3 virtually flat miles (5 km). Because it’s located at an elevation below 1,000 feet (300 m), the trail rarely sees any substantial snow, making it one of the few winter hiking choices along the Mountain Loop Highway.

From the northern trailhead, the trail begins in a thick stand of mature forest within sound but not sight of the river. The area was logged in the 1930s, but many old-growth Douglas-firs still boldly stand. The trail’s surrounding forest is as appealing as the river it runs alongside. After skirting a channel, reach the majestic river. Behold its beauty and ever-changing mood. In the wet fall months, the river’s volume and current increases substantially. On more than a few occasions the Sauk has jumped its bed, taking pieces of the trail with it. Comprised of layers of glacial till and moraine, the Sauk’s banks easily erode when assaulted with intense hydrological force. But luckily, determined volunteers continuously restore any lost tread.

While this trail is one of my favorites for autumn and winter ramblings, it’s quite delightful in the spring, too. Return in April or May to be treated to brilliant displays of wildflowers that include trilliums, dwarf dogwoods, wood violets, twinflowers, and starflowers. And year-round, look for these bird; thrushes, wrens, jays, eagles and dippers. In late summer and fall, survey the river’s channels for spawning steelhead.

At 1.8 miles (2.9 km) reach a junction with the Old Sauk Interpretive Loop accessible trail. This delightful 1.3 mile (2.1 km) loop is reached from the Mountain Loop Highway 1.9 miles (3.1 km) south of the trailhead you started from.  Aside from being open to wheelchairs, this easy and nearly level loop is ideal for young hikers and folks out for a shorter hike.

The Old Sauk River Trail continues south, passing another junction with the Interpretive Loop Trail. It then briefly merges with it before parting ways. It then skirts a slough and crosses another channel before traversing a grove of big trees. Soon afterward reach a big riverside rock—a favorite spot for photographing. The trail then leaves the raucous river to follow Murphy Creek through a tunnel of moss-draped maples and under a canopy of towering cottonwoods. In October this stretch of trail shines with touches of gold. At 3.0 miles (5.0 km) reach the trail’s southern terminus on the Mountain Loop Highway. Then turn around and enjoy all of the highlights you passed one more time.

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Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks. For details on this hike and others along the Mountain Loop Highway, pick up a copy of his Day Hiking North Cascades (Mountaineers Books).

Craig’s newest guidebooks are Urban Trails Eastside, which covers 60 trails in the foothills and suburbs east of Seattle, and Urban Tacoma, featuring 44 trails within easy distance of this growing south Puget Sound city. 

Craig will be speaking about these new books at REI Bellevue on Nov. 4 and REI Tacoma on Nov. 5.

Location: Mountain Loop Highway, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Distance: 6.0 miles (9.7 kilometers) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 150 feet (46 meters)

Difficulty: easy

Trail notes: Northwest Trail Pass or Interagency Pass required; practice Leave No Trace Principles

Trail highlights: dog and kid-friendly trail along a Wild and Scenic River. Excellent trail for observing spawning salmon and wintering bald eagles. Snow-free throughout most of the winter

Contact: Darrington Ranger District, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Getting to the trail: From Seattle: Follow I-5 north to Exit 208. Then drive east for 32 miles (51.5 km) on State Route 530 to Darrington. Turn right onto the Mountain Loop Highway and continue 3.6 miles (5.8 km) to trailhead. Alternatively, you can begin at the Old Sauk Interpretive Loop Trailhead 1.9 miles (3.1 km) farther down the road.