Spring hiking primer: Sauer Mountain
By Steve Godfrey
May 14, 2012
Photo by Steve Godfrey
Many Monarch butterflies were also enjoying the mountains on Mother's Day.
Photo by Steve Godfrey
Views of the mountains abound on this hike.
Photo by Steve Godfrey
The snow on Icicle Ridge won't last much longer in this warm spring weather.
Photo by Steve Godfrey
Watch out for (fire-breathing?) Dino.
Photo by Steve Godfrey
The official welcoming station on the Sauer Mountain hike.
Photo by Steve Godfrey
Hikers will find whimsical art like this along the first quarter mile of the trail.
The possibilities for high-quality day hikes here in the nearby foothills and mountains of North Central Washington are almost endless. If you're of that mind, now is a great time to start getting those hiking legs whipped into shape.
Spring signals the start of hiking season, and there is a jewel of a primer hike practically in our backyard - Sauer Mountain trail near Peshastin.
And it's easily accessible.
To get there, take Highway 2 to Peshastin, cross the Wenatchee River on the bridge, and take a left onto North Road just after you go under the railroad tracks.
Drive west (toward Leavenworth) for about a mile and turn right at the Peshastin Cemetery. Drive to the mouth of Anderson Canyon and up it a short distance, and you'll quickly arrive at the trailhead parking lot.
Park on either side of the road - there's enough room for a dozen or so vehicles.
Be sure to pack enough drinking water for each hiker - you'll need it as the trail is hot and dry all the way.
Hiking sticks are helpful, and the Sauers graciously provide hand-made ones for your use. Please remember to leave them back at the trailhead after your hike so other hikers may use them, too.
The trail immediately begins to climb. Keep your eyes open for pleasant surprises along the route - the Sauer family has worked hard to make things interesting along the trail, and their collective sense of humor shows.
You'll gain elevation fast.
At the half-mile point, the trail branches. Take the left trail for a great lookout view and a little longer hike. That trail loops back to join with the main trail at the 1-mile mark.
The five-mile round trip hike will get your heart pumping and your legs screaming for a break, as the trail gains 1800 feet elevation in two-and-a-half miles. This translates to a steady uphill jaunt, with some steep but, thankfully, relatively short, pitches.
Once you reach the ridge line, the trail eases up and becomes friendlier, offering flatter hiking along the top of the ridge and great views of the snow-covered Cascades to the west, including a distant look at Glacier Peak.
But don't be fooled. The last section of the trail is steep and will test your legs and stamina once again.
When you reach the top, take a well deserved break in the open clearing and absorb the sunshine and great views. If you have time, you could even get away with taking a short nap. And don't forget to sign the guest book in the plastic container at the foot of the wooden post.
On your descent, live a little and do some jogging when the trail invites you to. You'll be back down to the parking lot before you know it.
Now is a great time for this hike as the spring wildflowers are still with us and the surrounding mountains still retain their waning winter snows.
Distant mountain views, fresh mountain air and wildly colorful flowers make this hike well worth the effort.
We made this our Mother's Day hike this year, and we're glad we did. The day was fabulous as was the scenery.
We look forward to enjoying many day hikes this summer, but it's going to take a few more trips to get our legs in prime hiking shape.
