Upper Sauk
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| Put-in: |
Bedal Campground |
| Take-out: |
White Chuck River |
| Difficulty: |
Class II+
|
| Length: |
8 miles |
Middle Sauk
|
| Put-in: |
White Chuck River |
| Take-out: |
Darrington |
| Difficulty: |
Class III+ - IV
|
| Length: |
10.5 miles |
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The Sauk River is considered one of the best-kept secrets of the Cascades. The scenery is untamed alpine wilderness, and the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act protects this river. The Sauk tumbles out of the beautiful Glacier Peak Wilderness area and is the largest tributary of the Skagit River. Its waters are fed by snowpack and glacial melt, creating a gorgeous aquamarine hue to the river.
Both the Upper and Middle Sauk River are popular runs for kayakers and private rafters. While the upper section is easy Class III and quite crowded, kayakers in Washington consider this stretch to contain some of the best play waves in the state. The Middle run flows through a glacial valley with beautiful mountain views. After the Sauk joins with the Whitechuck River it becomes bigger and stronger. Only experienced boaters should attempt this Class IV – V run, and they must be prepared for the icy cold glacial waters during all times of the year.
One piece of interesting local lore: The nearby town of Monte Cristo was once home to thousands of miners trying to make their fortunes.
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