Old Sauk River Trail
By James LaJocies
If you ever found
the need to wonder onto an easy trail that parallels a picture perfect
river in a dense forest under the warming sun of a clear blue sky, then
this is the trail for you. It is also just what the doctor ordered
after spending days underneath gray glooming skies. As soon as there
was a widening gap in the clouds, I grabbed my pack, threw it onto my
back and got out of Dodge. Mother Nature here I come.
Under the blue skies of a warm sunny day, this trail is a refreshing
welcome
and a great trek for all members of the family. The Old Sauk River
Trail parallels the river for about three miles and offers a pleasant
easy meandering walk under a mossy canopy of cedar and douglas fir.
Soon after entering the forest I was amazed of the abundant amount of
old growth still left. Magnificent specimens of Red and White Cedar,
Douglas Fir and one grand example of Alder. All of which must have
predated Columbus. Such towers of life they are. So much so, it strains
the neck to view the tops of their canopies.
Continuing along the trail as it weaves close to and away from the
river bank, the trek was comforted with a soft forest floor beneath my
feet. A welcoming feeling compared to some cold stone granite trails my
dogs have pounded in the past. There are plenty of views of the river
along the trail with great spots to sit, meditate, have a lunch and
lets not forget the, click - click, snap - snap of photo
opportunities.
Other interesting aspects that may come to ones attention are the vast
amount of moss covered trees along the trail with four and five foot
high ferns. It is almost representative of a rain forest, which would
not be unusual considering the amount of rainfall that reaches this
region.
Wild raspberries and salmon berries flourish along the way, which are
also accented with a variety of wild flowers, with their pedals
exhibiting attractive colors of white, pink, yellow and violet, all
reaching for the sun on a spring like day.
If the forest doesn’t grab your attention, then the river will. With
its clear and deep pools formed with froth churning rapids caressing
river boulders enabling ebbs of calm sanctuaries for wildlife. And
wildlife is defiantly present along the Sauk River. Besides rainbow and
brown trout, salmon and steelhead will also pass through this region
during the summer and fall seasons. Also, in the quieter pools along
the rivers edge, waterfowl are frequently present.
If you are a hankering to get out of the house, then pack up a picnic
lunch, grab the kids, even grandma and grandpa would enjoy this, and
head out to a river that runs cold and clear with beautiful vistas.
Step into a forest that is far away from people that you will recognize
it as a treat. Enjoy a walk along the banks of the Old Sauk River. Then
nestle up quietly along the river banks and allow the soothing sounds
of its soft flowing rapids together with a whispering symphony of wind,
caressing the towering giants overlooking a river in which time has
forgotten.
Prescription filled. Just as the doctor ordered, take one dose of
Mother Natures Wonderland.
To
start your adventure just link
yourself via the links listed below.
Old Sauk River Trail - Directions
Old Sauk River Trail - Maps
Old Sauk River
Trail - Photography