One early spring day we took a day hike in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just south of Darrington. We lucked out on the gorgeous weather during our usual cool and wet spring days. This trail was short, easy, and level hike. It cuts through some beautiful old growth forest along an old railroad track. The trail follows Suak Creek, which rages nearby, and provides glimpses of the surrounding mountains. It is the perfect early spring trail as fewer leaves means more views of the mountains that would be otherwise obscured by foilage during the summer months. An old wash out cuts the trail short, but provides a wonderful view of the creek, forest and mountains at the end.

The birds we saw were typical of the area. Although there were a great variety of birds, the most outstanding bird were the many Red-breasted Sapsuckers we saw during the hike. Either there were many or the same pair kept following us during our hike. Not many flowers were in bloom during the time, but the skunk cabbage was out and in numbers. Also present were angelwings and mourning cloaks that were feeding on the wells made by the sapsuckers.

This hike was a great way to spend an early sunny spring day, being both beautiful and relatively underused.

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