Cougar Hollow Drive
The south end of Forest Service Rd. #22 also called North Sauk River Road is a great place to explore. At one time this was the Mountain Loop Highway but it has since been rerouted to the west of the river. Storm damage in 2006 washed out a portion of the road, disconnecting it in the middle between Sauk Prairie Bridge and White Chuck Bridge. Both portions of the remaining road are worth taking a little time to explore, the northern half is now decommissioned and only foot travel, walking along some old mines with the Sauk River to the west. The southern half goes over the White Chuck River Bridge, past the White Chuck Bench Trail#731, then dropping back down towards the Sauk River to a place that was once called Cougar Hollow which had a Forest Service Guard Station and campground.
This is a short drive and great picnic get away or you may want to include the Gold Hill Scenic Loop or long drive out to White Chuck Ridge. The Scenic Cougar Hollow drive is short distance from the White Chuck Bridge taking you into mixed dense mossy forest with several cascades and seasonal waterfalls flowing down from Gold Hill. In winter when the leaves are off of the trees there are a couple of great views of the mountains. If you plan to drive this in winter it is always recommended to check road conditions first.
To get to Cougar Hollow, drive south from Darrington towards the Mountain Loop Highway, and then make a left onto the White Chuck Bridge. This will put you on Forest Service Road #022. Drive past the raft launching area and rest room and up the hill about three miles. When you come to the intersection where FSR #24 goes right and FSR #22 goes left, keep left driving down towards the Sauk River. Shortly after passing FS #2420 you will wind downhill to FS #22 also called the North Sauk River Road. At this intersection if you look to the left, you will see where the old road has been rerouted and there is a great spur for a tailgate picnic. The North Sauk River Rd. is to your right, driving to the end is also a nice picnic spot.