Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve day tripped but now that the weather is more conducive to our pursuits, it’s time to gear up again.  Strangely, with all of the snow we received this year, one would think that we’d be tired of it by now.  Not so!  A recent day trip landed us back in the snow along the Mountain Loop Highway.

You’ll probably start to see repeat visits to this area.  It’s a beautiful drive from Granite Falls along a forested highway that follows the Stillaguamish River.  There are many popular trails accessible from this highway including Mt. Pilchuck, Lake 22, Ice Caves, Perry Creek, Mt. Dickerman and Monte Cristo.  What we love about this area is the wide range of choices it presents.  And there’s something to do here every season.

A first stop is at the Verlot Ranger Station.  There you can obtain maps, passes and current information about the roads and trails in the area.  During the Winter and early Spring, the road is closed at Deer Creek.  Here you can park (Sno-park pass is NOT required) and explore the area on foot or snowmobile.  For a low impact adventure, just walk the road as far as you want.  You’ll pass beautiful ponds and streams flowing into the Stillaguamish.  You’ll get peak-a-boo views of the surrounding peaks.  For a grand adventure, stop at one of the many summer campgrounds along this road.  Most sit right on the river and provide a tranquil Winter scene right out of a postcard.  It can even make a great lunch spot.For those looking to go farther, keep walking!  At about 2 miles you’ll pass the trailhead for the Ice Caves with views of Big Four Mountain.  Another 4.5 miles will land you at Barlow Pass where you’ll find the spur road to Monte Cristo (another 4 miles) and to various hikes.

These are just some of the adventures awaiting you along the Mountain Loop Highway.  Getting there is very easy.  If you go during the colder months, be prepared for Winter weather and driving conditions.  In general, the road is paved and plowed to the closure but know that weather conditions can change fast.  Avalanche awareness should be a concern if you venture off the main road.

Directions (Approx 80 miles from Seattle)Follow US 2 east to SR 204 (to Lake Stevens), Follow SR 9 north to SR 92 East (to Granite Falls), Continue through Granite Falls to the Mountain Loop Hwy

Avalanche & Mountain Weather Forecasts
Verlot Ranger Station (See Mountain Loop Highway)