Flowers and Field Journaling: A Naturalist's Journey Up Sauk Mountain
Event Details
- When
- Aug 17, 2025 from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM
- Where
- Instructor
- Hannah Black
- Class Tuition
- Minimum Age
- Add it to your calendar
-
vCal
iCal
Komo Kulshan/Mount Baker viewed from Sauk Mountain Trail; Hannah Black
Join Us for a Day of Exploration
Eager to explore this mountaintop haven? Lace up your hiking boots, pack your field journal, and join Institute staff for a full-day excursion on Sauk Mountain. We’ll begin beneath the towering canopy of an old-growth Douglas-fir forest at Rockport State Park, where we’ll review the basics of field journaling before carpooling to the trailhead.
From the scenic parking area, we’ll ascend through sloped wildflower meadows on Sauk’s western face. Keep your journal close to capture observations, ask questions, and draw connections! Throughout the day, we’ll explore local geology, climate, flora, fauna, and human history. By midday, we’ll reach the summit, where a keen group may have the option to detour to Sauk Lake for further exploration—and perhaps some huckleberry snacking.
Meet Your Instructor
Hannah Black has been teaching natural history for over a decade in the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, and California’s Bay Area. As part of her Master’s in Environmental Communication, she designed and piloted a field journaling course at Stanford University. For two years, Hannah lived at the base of Sauk Mountain, frequently hiking and studying its seasonal changes.
What to Expect
No prior field journaling experience is necessary! However, please note that this is a moderately strenuous hike covering 4.2 miles round trip, including a 1,000-foot elevation gain over 1.5 miles via a series of switchbacks. Sections of the trail run near steep slopes with occasional drop-offs, and the meadow and summit provide little to no shade. While our pace will be leisurely, moderate hiking fitness and comfort on uneven terrain are required.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Institute staff!
Paintbrush on Sauk Mountain Trail; Hannah Black