The Old Sauk Trail is an easy hike along the Sauk River just south of Darrington on the Mountain Loop Highway. Beautiful in any season, this hike makes for a good winter leg stretcher, as its relatively low elevation (600') keeps it accessible year round.
The first trailhead is about 3 miles from town. The trail goes through mature second growth forest for a while, gradually taking you towards the Sauk, which you hear before you see. The trail is level, no elevation gain to speak of, so in just a few short minutes you're at the river's edge. Take advantage of extra time by slowing down and scouting for wildlife. The Sauk has healthy runs of salmon and steelhead, and when they return to spawn in winter you can see lots of eagles waiting to chow down. On a recent late January trip we were too late for eagle watching, but we did see a coyote, a beaver dam and deer hoofprints in the snow.
The trail ends after 3 miles at the south trailhead, so turn back here and follow the river back to your car, although this trail is also accessible by bus and bike; take Community Transit route 230 from Smokey Point to Darrington, then bike the 3 miles to the trailhead.
When you pass through town, be sure to visit the Sauk River Trading Post http://www.saukrivertradingpost.com/ for your trailhead pass, and check out the great clothing, fishing supplies and hiking books. Be sure to drop some coin in this struggling former logging town. Gas up at the shell station, or have dinner at the restaurant. Pay some respect (and money) to the town whose back yard you're hiking in.
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