Sauk Mountain: a Short Hike with a Panoramic Vista

Sauk Mountain may not be the best kept secret among day hikers in the North Cascades, but I am surprised how few Seattle area outdoor enthusiasts have made the journey north to enjoy the short but spectacular climb.  The Sauk Mountain trailhead is located just a few miles outside of Concrete, Washington, which lies in the beautiful Sauk River Valley.  The factory that gave Concrete its name has long been defunct, but the town serves as a gateway to the spectacular scenery of the North Cascades.

The trailhead for Sauk Mountain is at the end of a steep Forest Service road.  Be advised the area is open to hunting.  When we hiked there in October, the loud report of guns occasionally disrupted the tranquility. Wear orange.  In 2007, a hiker was  killed by a 13 year old hunter in a tragic case of mistaken identity.
A memorial picnic table can be found at the trailhead that celebrated the life of someone who loved hiking the Mountain.

From the trailhead, the path traverses towards a steep open meadow where switchbacks commence their steady climb.  I believe the count is 21, and on a warm day, the average day hiker will drain their camelback in a hurry. Bring a hat and sunblock.  Eventually, you'll gain enough elevation so that Mt. Baker comes into view.  Of course, the lovely river valley is visible almost the entire climb.

After a mile or so,  the trail turns to the backside of the mountain.  When we were there crows and eagles pursued one another in aerial combat.  In about half a mile, a Y in the trail allows the thirsty to descend right to Sauk Lake, about doubling the mileage and elevation change.

Continue to the left, and the summit is perhaps 15 minutes away.   We climbed into a patch of early snow. Remember your sunglasses.  Prolonged hiking across snow fields can hurt your eyes.

The view from the top on a clear day is 360 degrees of magnificence.  To the north, Mt. Baker dominates the skyline, to the east, The Picketts, to the South, Glacier Peak.  Numerous lesser peaks clamor for attention. On the day we hiked, Puget Sound to the west was veiled by smoke from two slag fires.

Sauk Mountain can be a busy hike.  1300 feet of elevation gain over 2 1/5 miles, offers just enough of a physical challenge to break a sweat.  On top, the rewards are breathtaking.  On the way out, stop in Concrete, and treat yourself to something delicious at the 5 Bees Bakery--you've earned it, more or less.

To get there,  take I-5 North from Seattle to Arlington.   Go east on 530 through Darrington, then north to Hwy 20.  Take a left at Hwy 20 and go about 1.7 miles.  Turn right onto the Sauk Mountain Road.  Watch out--it's a narrow dirt road and the turnoff is easy to miss.   The trailhead is a little over 3 miles up the road. On the way home, go a different route by taking a right where the Sauk Mountain Road meets Hwy 20. Stop in Concrete and spend a little money at the bakery or restaurant, and keep the economy going.   After a stop in Concrete, continue west on Hwy 20.   Eventually, you meet Interstate 5.