North Fork Sauk Trail – Glacier Peak Wilderness -

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

The North Fork Sauk Trail is 5.5 miles long - the protected portion of this trail that is included in the Network begins only when you have entered the Glacier Peak Wilderness which is about .5-.75 mil from the trailhead. This is a true Pacific northwest old-growth forest. From the very start of the trail there are giant old trees. The dominant tree species is Western Red Cedar, the oldest of which are estimated to be 800-850 years old. The forest composition transitions to include Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Red Alder, Big Leaf Maple and Pacific Silver Fir. A wide variety of plants make up the understory including Western lily of the valley, huckleberry, devil’s club, and numerous fern species. There is a rich variety of moss species on tree trunks, hanging from branches, covering large downed logs, on the ground and on rocks. One significant feature of this forest is the presence of various lichen species, including lichens characteristic of old-growth forests.