Gauging the Sauk

There are 2 real-time gauges on the Sauk/Suiattle river system. The river system consists of several tributaries (from top to bottom): NF Sauk, SF Sauk, Whitechuck, Clear Creek, Suiattle, and several smaller creeks. The Sauk at Sauk gauge is the sum of all of these - it is located where the Sauk empties into the Skagit. The Sauk Above Whitechuck, or Upper Sauk gauge on the other hand, is just above the rapid named Rocky Road on the Upper Sauk, so it is the sum of the NF Sauk, SF Sauk, and a few small creeks.

The most popular run in this system is the Middle Sauk. This run begins where the Upper Sauk and Whitechuck come together. Some boaters still use the Sauk at Sauk flow to determine whether or not the Middle Sauk is runnable, but this isn't very accurate. In August and September, it can appear that this run has enough water, but it rarely does. Most of the water in the late summer comes down the Suiattle, which comes in several miles downstream of the takeout for this run. It's much more useful to use the Upper Sauk gauge. In general if that gauge from 750-2000, IKs can run it, and from 1000-2500 most rafts will be fine. It has been run higher.

The NF Sauk and SF Sauk are experts-only runs, so it's probably worth finding a local who is willing to drive up and take a look to see if the levels are good. Boaters running the Upper Sauk start out on the NF Sauk about 1/4 mile above the confluence. Small rafts and IKs can get through here at 750cfs, and the whole run is fine up to 2500 cfs. This run can be done much higher, but you need to be prepared for the Middle Sauk or a quick takeout at Whitechuck.

The Whitechuck is generally around 50% of the Upper Sauk, and is runnable at similar levels. This run isn't run very often because it can get filled with trees.

The Sauk and Suiattle are good choices for mid-summer camping trips. There are nice campsites on the Uppet Sauk, Middle Sauk, Lower Sauk, and Suiattle. It is possible to do 2-3 nights on the Sauk with a reasonable amount of good whitewater each day by starting on the Upper Sauk and continuing down, possibly past the Suiattle confluence.