Melanie Wilhoite

Melanie Wilhoite

Hike Sauer’s Mountain

09/11/18

This hike is a very doable 6 mile out-and-back with plenty of sun exposure and bun-burner sections but some rolling walking through tree-shaded sections along a ridge as well. The trail offers the very unique carvings at the beginning while on Mr. Sauer's property, and the reward of panoramic views of the river valley and peaks beyond as well. I hiked on Sept 10 and the weather was terrific. 75 degrees and partly cloudy. I left the parking lot around 11:15 a.m., dropped a couple bucks in the homemade wooden box and headed up. The trail is easy to follow. It is wide enough for one person and well compacted. There are a few places where the trail has eroded and watching your step is wise lest you slide steeply downhill. I worked up a sweat and 148 bpm heart rate in a few sections that were steep uphill but not technical by any means. The trail goes along fully exposed hillside for about a mile. At the 1.5 mile mark there is a sign pointing right to "Sauer Mountain" and left to "Loop Trail." Head right. The loop trail is a nice alternative to the main trail for the trip back. You'll go up up up with some leveling out for a little break. The last mile seems like more than a mile because there isn't much of a break from the steady uphill walk. There are a couple large backhoes at the forest service road that crosses the trail. Keep going across the road and hoof it up the steep hill to the viewpoint and log. Take a break, have a snack, and enjoy the view as you identify the peaks across the valley with the help of the carved sign. Going back is a lot faster than getting there since it's all pretty much downhill. Take the loop trail if you like, it will get you back to the main trail in about 3/4 mile. Nice hike not far off the beaten path. I hiked on a Monday and saw one other 2-person hiking party. My dog liked it too.

4.0