Mount Saul

Standard Route

Beginning at the same parking lot for Mount David and other Poets Ridge peaks, cross the bridge over White River and turn right (north) on the west bank White River trail. The White River Valley is home to some wonderful large old-growth cedars. One particular specimen has a diameter of 12 feet.


Continue to follow the trail for 3 miles until it turns left (west) into the Indian Creek drainage. Continue another two and a half miles. Watch carefully for the Airplane Lake trail junction. It's easy to miss. It's located on a flat grassy section of trail. There are two indicators to watch for. The first is a small fallen log. The second is the “marking routes is prohibited” sign about 10 yards back from the Indian Creek trail. When you find the sign, you will know you are on the right track.


The first part of the Airplane Lake trail is steep and there are a lot of bushes and fallen logs to contend with. But after a tenth of a mile it's more pleasant and easier to follow, albeit steep. Airplane Lake is 2200 feet above Indian Creek with an overall gain of 3200 feet from the trailhead. From the lake it's still another 2000 feet to the summit.


There are 3 viable route options from the lake to the summit. Each has it's own set of difficulties, but no route should exceed the occasional class 3 move. The northeast ridge is a good way to reach the summit, however getting to it can be problematic. North of Airplane Lake a hidden series of cliff bands guards the ridge crest. It can be done, but route finding north of the lake is convoluted. An alternative to gain the northeast ridge is to follow the connecting ridge from east of the lake, but this is also slightly troublesome. One on the northeast ridge, the remainder of the ascent goes pleasantly with clean slabby rock and easy snowfields near the summit


The final option which might involve less brush, has some degree of loose rock and steep talus. This would be to ascend the upper east face directly from Airplane Lake while avoiding obvious cliffs and buttresses. I have not tried the third option myself, but it is more direct and I know folks who have done it.

Getting There / Driving Directions

From Leavenworth, follow Highway 2 westbound for 14.8 miles, or from Everett follow Highway 2 eastbound for 84.5 miles and turn north onto WA-207 towards Lake Wenatchee. Continue for 10.5 miles and just past Lake Wenatchee turn right onto White River Road.


Continue on White River Road for 10.2 miles to the end of the road, keeping left at all major junctions. There is a fork after 6.3 miles. Keep left onto Forest Road 6400 / White River Road.

Camping / Red Tape

Good camping can be had at Airplane Lake. Please use existing tent spots. Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead.

External Trip Reports

Clark Mountain on Dakobed Ridge

My September 2014 trip report of the northeast ridge variations Cartman's September 2014 trip report of the upper east face Iron's July 2012 trip report of the northeast ridge Sadie's Driver's October 2010 trip report of the SW and NE ridge Jonathan Pryce's September 2001 trip report of the Indian Head / Saul traverse