Sauer's Mountain

Provided by Wenatchee Outdoors.

"Linoleumed with wildflowers." It’s an apt three-word summary capturing the appeal of Sauer's Mountain as a spring or summer hike. Given the hike’s steady climb (1,800 vertical feet of gain over 2.5 miles) and mixture of open and forested slopes, you have a mixture of elevations and sunlight allowing for varied flower beds. On top of this, much of the route spans a ridge system where you wander through miniature gardens with virtually every imaginable exposure. This keeps mixing up the flowers you’re seeing.

Toting a flower book like Sagebrush Country—A Wildflower Sanctuary (Ronald Taylor) or Mountain Plants of the Pacific Northwest (Ronald Taylor and George W. Douglas) is definitely worthwhile if you want to pin names to what you’re seeing. The many flowers you're likely to see here include: balsamroot, mule’s ear, larkspur, groundsel, Oregon sunshine, paintbrush, cat’s-ear lily, lupine, wild geranium, wild rose, yarrow, sweat vetch, serviceberry, and phlox. 

Of course there’s nothing wrong with ignoring names and simply appreciating the aesthetics as you walk. Call one pedaled vision of loveliness a PYF (pretty yellow flower), and the next a PBF (pretty blue flower). Views of the surrounding foothills, the high Cascades, Glacier Peak, and the town of Leavenworth also makes this a popular yearly walk for many locals. However, note that the trail is closed from October 14th to March 21st.

Distance:  Total roundtrip distance is roughly 5.5 miles, but there is a nice turn-around point at Glacier View that makes for a nice 3 miles roundtrip.

Elevation: Start: 1,325 feet. Top: 3,116 feet. Total gain: 1,800 feet.

Recommended Season: This walk is particularly pretty in spring (lush wildflowers) and fall (colorful foliage). This is also a reasonable summer hike because much of the route is well shaded. Note: the trail is closed from October 14 to March 21.

For more information including access details and trip instructions, as well as great pictures and maps, check out Wenatchee Outdoors .

Final note: Make sure to check winter weather conditions and carry your ten essentials: whistle, map, compass, sunscreen, flashlight and extra batteries, fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches and extra food and clothing. It’s also good to leave a copy of your travel plans with a responsible person. Find weather and avalanche info here.