Sauk Mountain is one of my favorite local hikes, a short but steep trail with panoramic, 360 degree views of the North Cascades. To get there, follow Highway 20 to just past Rockport State Park (great salmon fishing and winter eagle watching here) and turn left onto Forest Service Road 1030 for a twisy/bumpy 7 mile drive to the Sauk Mountain trailhead (trail #613).
The first 1/4 mile is mostly level, but the trail starts to climb quickly as you follow over two dozen switchbacks to gain 1200' in less than 2 miles. It's a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for falling rocks disloged by hikers uphill from you. Views of Mount Baker and the Skagit river valley begin to emerge as you climb. As you near the top, the trail winds around to the east side of the mountain for more views of the North Cascades. A side trail from here will take you to Sauk Lake 1200' below for some good trout fishing, or continue on another 1/4 mile to the summit for great views of Mount Baker and the confluence of the Skagit and Sauk rivers.
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