Sauk Mountain Hike

Sauk Mountain is a rewarding hike with panoramic views that stretch as far as the San Juans on good days. The Cascade Mountains and the Olympics can be admired from this route, as can the Skagit River Valley and Sauk River Valley. This is a must-do hike for wildflower enthusiasts in the early and mid-summer when the mountain is covered in multicolored blooms.

The trail suffers from some erosion which can make parts of the route slick. To reduce erosion, never cut switchbacks. You’ll see the trails where previous hikers have, but this both damages the ecosystem around the trails and jeopardizes the stability of your hiking route.

The road to this trailhead is a bit difficult to pass closer to the trailhead. We recommend bringing a high-clearance vehicle if you can, although those who cannot often park along the road and walk the extra distance. Depending on road conditions, this usually isn’t much more than a third of a mile or so.

The route begins near the A-frame outhouse at the trailhead. You’ll begin by traversing across the foot of the mountain on a gradual, straightforward route. The switchbacks through the meadow start next, which are fairly steep and somewhat narrow in places. Poles can be helpful here.

On the switchbacks, take a breather if you need to admire the view. It gets better and better the further you go, making moments to catch your breath more enjoyable. On hot, sunny days, the trail can be quite warm. Make sure you bring enough water!

From the last switchback, you’ll cut across a saddle. There’s an intersecting trail that leads to Sauk Lake. We don’t recommend the side trip unless you’re prepared, as it loses a fair bit of elevation.

The rest of the trail to the top of the mountain tends to hold onto snow. Navigate carefully if the route is obscured, or come back another time if it seems impassable.

You’ll hike through the saddle to the lookout on Sauk. Marvel at how many mountains you can see up here- it’s more than we can keep track of! The summit can be busy in the summer, but it’s worth taking some time to appreciate the view.

When you’re ready, you’ll retrace your steps back down the mountain to the trailhead.

Hiking Route Highlights

Cascade Mountains

The rugged Cascade Mountain Range is one of the stars of the show from the top of Sauk Mountain. The north end of the range can be seen in surprising clarity from this summit. The Picket Range, including Mount Terror, Inspiration Peak, and McMillan Spires are some of the easiest Cascade mountains to see from this vantage point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sauk Mountain a volcano?

No, Sauk Mountain is not a volcano.

Can you hike Sauk Mountain in the winter?

Sauk Mountain receives a generous amount of snow in the wintertime, so we don’t recommend attempting it past October or so. You might be able to make it most of the way up the trail, but the saddle and summit tend to be all snowfield by the time winter rolls around.