Hike 8/1 North Fork Sauk Tripleheader
Saturday, August 1, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
5 miles, 400 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
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Explore three overlooked gems of nature in a wild valley off the Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington. The North Fork Trail is a grand old growth forest walk along the roaring river, the Harold Engels Memorial Cedars features a short trail to a jaw-dropping grove of huge ancient trees, and the North Fork Sauk Falls is an impressive large waterfall also reached by a short trail. Most of the hiking is gentle, but a few short sections of some of the trails can be rough, particularly near the falls viewpoint.
Expected Conditions:
We'll spend most of our time on the North Fork Trail, was is well-used and in good condition. I plan to go out on that trail about 1.5 to 2 miles before coming back the same way. Then we'll stop at the Harold Engles Memorial Cedars, which is a very short (less than 0.2 mile) and fairly level trail to a grove of giant trees. The trail is little-known, seldom-used, and unmaintained, so there could be minor obstacles. We'll probably start with the trail to North Fork Falls, which is only 1/4 mile long. It drops down about 100 feet or so, meaning you'll have to climb back out. To get to the best views of the falls, you'll need to hike down some moderately steep steps. We'll take it slow and easy, and assist those who need it.
Other Considerations:
Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for these trails, and bring trekking poles to assist with the rougher bits of trail. Pack water and food in your pack, and bring it along when we do the North Fork Trail. You don't need to carry anything on the short trails to the falls and to the cedar grove.
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