Mountain Loop Scenic Byway

Mountain Loop Scenic Byway
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Glacier Peak from Mount Dickerman Trail
Welcome
Rugged peaks and deep, wet forests
beckon to the adventurous traveler along
the Mountain Loop National Forest
Scenic Byway.
The 55 mile route leads into the heart of
the Cascades along the scenic Sauk and
Stillaguamish River corridors in the Mt.
Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. You
are invited to enjoy this special place.
Campgrounds, picnic areas and a variety
of trails offer opportunities for seasonal
recreation.
The byway is paved between the Verlot
Public Service Center and Barlow
Pass. It then turns into a gravel road
with turnouts until reaching the White
Chuck River Road junction, where the
pavement begins again and continues to
Darrington.
Road Mileages
From Verlot Public Service Center to:
Mt. Pilchuck Rd. 1.0 mile
Gold Basin CG
2.4 miles
Big Four
14.5 miles
Barlow Pass
19.5 miles
Bedal CG
27.5 miles
Darrington 55.0 miles
Plan Before You Go
Mountain weather conditions can change dramatically and with little warning.
Snow levels are dependent on temperature, precipitation, and elevation. For a
quality recreation experience, please check the current weather forecast before
leaving home and prepare accordingly.
Travel Alerts
Driving the entire Mountain Loop Highway is typically limited to late spring
through the fall due to snows that may linger. The road is both paved and
graveled and may have varied conditions. Check on the current status before
heading out to drive the loop and other forest roads.
Use caution and be prepared for mountain road travel.
For current conditions and information:
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Darrington Ranger District
1405 Emens Street
Darrington, WA 98241
(360) 436-1155
Verlot Public Service Center
33515 Mountain Loop Highway
Granite Falls, WA 98252
(360) 691-7791
For Sauk & Suiattle River information visit the
Skagit Wild & Scenic River website at:
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/skagit-wsr/
Snohomish County Road Conditions:
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/
Public_Works
Northwest Weather & Avalanche Center:
Mountain Weather Conditions
(206) 526-6677 ( winter months)
www.nwac.us
National Weather Service
www.noaa.gov
Washington State Parks
www.parks.wa.gov
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.wa.gov
Snohomish County Tourism
www.snohomish.org
Washington State Tourism
www.experiencewa.com
T r a i l o P P ORT U N I T I E S A L ON G T H E L O OP
VERLOT TRAILS
Ashland Lakes,
WA. State Dept of Natural
Resources (DNR)
Description
Access
Trail Use
Enters Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation
Area
FS RD 4020, 4021
Hiking
Bald Mountain Ridge
(DNR)
Enters Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation
Area. Connects to Ashland Lakes and Mallardy Ridge
Trails.
Barlow Point 709
Leads to former site of Barlow Point Lookout
Bear Lake: short, easy hike. Pinnacle Lake : steep and
muddy hike
Bear & Pinnacle Lakes 703
Big Four Ice Caves 723
Big Four Picnic Area Trails
Coal Lake 632
Glacier Basin 719
Gold Basin Millpond
Independence & North Lake 711
Kelcema Lake 718
Lake Twenty Two Trail
Mallardy Ridge (Walt Bailey)
Marten Creek
Length
1-way
(miles)
Beginning Elevation
(feet)
4.25
2400’
FS RD 4020, 4021
Or
FS RD 4030,4032
Hiking
8.5
2840’ West approach/Ashland
Lakes
4500’ East approach/Mallardy
Ridge
Mountain Loop
Hiking
1.2
2400’
FS RD 4020, 4021
Hiking
0.3 – 1.9
2700’
Leads from Big Four Picnic Area to the Ice Caves
Mountain Loop
Hiking
1.0
1700’
Loop trail connecting Big Four Picnic Area and Ice
Caves Trailhead. Wetlands view.
Small lake, great for a family outing
Beautiful historic basin with great views/waterfall.
Enters Henry M Jackson Wilderness
Mountain Loop
.25
1700’
FS RD 4060
Hiking
Accessible
Hiking
0.1
3600’
Monte Cristo Road
Hiking
6.1
3200’
Short Interpretive Trail at site of old mill.
Mountain Loop
.10
1100’
Easy Hike to Independence Lake. More difficult trail
leads to North Lake.
Short hike to small lake in the Boulder River
Wilderness.
Forested trail to lake. Enters Lake Twenty Two Research
Natural Area. Waterfalls along trail.
Great trail with many small tarns, large lakes and wild
mountain blueberries in fall. Access WA State DNR
lands.
Steep climb on rough trail.
Hiking
Accessible
FS RD 4060
Hiking
3.2
3600”
FS RD 4052
Hiking
0.6
3011”
Mountain Loop
Hiking
2.7
1000”
FS RD 4030, 4032
Hking
Mountain Loop
4.5 to
Cutthroat
Lakes
3.0
1400’
4.0
2349’
4.3
2000’
3000’
Monte Cristo Road
Road closed. Walk or bike. river ford required to reach
historic townsite and trails.
Mountain Loop
Mount Dickerman 710
Switchback up forested slope to Mt Dickerman.
Enters Mt. Pilchuck State Park. 360 degree view from
the fire lookout at summit.
Mountain Loop
Hiking
Hiking,
Stock,
Bicycles
Hiking
FS RD 42
Hiking
3.0
3100’
Enters Perry Creek Research Natural Area.
Mountain Loop
Hiking
5.1
2100’
Enters Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.
Hike to Headly Pass. Climbers route to Vesper Peak.
Enters WA State DNR lands.
Strenuous hike to Goat Flats. Great views. Enters Boulder River Wilderness.
Monte Cristo Road
Hiking
4.4
2800’
FS Rd 4065
Hiking
2.6
2200’
FS RD 41 - West of
Verlot PSC
Hiking
6.7
3000’
Short walk through forested setting.
Mountain Loop
Hiking
.25
1300’
Mt. Pilchuck Lookout 700
Perry Creek 711
Poodle Dog Pass 708
Sunrise Mine 707
Three Fingers 641
Youth On Age Trail
Boulder River 734
Chockwick 647.2
Elliott Creek (Goat Lake) 647
Eight Mile Creek 654
Harold Engels Trail
Lost Creek Ridge 646
Mt. Pugh 644
North Fork Sauk 649
North Fork Sauk Falls
Old Sauk Trail 748
Peek-A-Boo Lake 656
Whitechuck Bench Trail 731
Beginning Elevation
(feet)
Access
Trail Use
Seldom used trail. Road very steep.
FS RD 4096
Hiking
2.5
2800’
Hike through large timber, waterfalls at 1.2 miles. Enters Boulder River Wilderness
FS RD 2010 - West of
Darrington
Hiking
4.0
1000’
Mountain bike on old road bed, views of
South Fork Sauk River.
Loop trail. Enters Henry M. Jackson
Wilderness
Access to Squire Creek Pass and rock
climbing. Enters Boulder River Wilderness.
FS RD 4080
Mountain
Bike
2.5
1900’
FS RD 4080
Hiking
5.2
1900’
FS RD 2060
Hiking /
Rock Climb
2.5
1600’
Short easy walk through grove of large cedars. Named
after Darrington District Ranger 1920’s – 1950’s
Steep trail to Bingley Gap. Enters Glacier Peak Wilderness
Hike to Stujack Pass. Climbers scramble beyond pass.
Enters Glacier Peak Wilderness
Accesses Pacific Crest Trail and Glacier Peak
Wilderness.
FS RD 49
Hiking
.25
1800’
FS RD 49
Hiking
11
1800’
FS RD 2095
Hiking
3.5
1900’
8.4
2100’
.25
1600’
DARRINGTON TRAILS Description
Bedal Creek 705
Length
1-Way
(miles)
FS RD 49
Hiking /
Stock
Hiking
Mountain Loop
Hiking
3.0
600’
Great fishing lake.
FS RD 2080, 2081,
2086
Hiking
2.2
3200’
Pleasant hike along west side of the Sauk River.
FS RD 23
Hiking
6.5
1000’
Short viewpoint trail.
Gentle trail along the Sauk River – a segment of the
Skagit Wild & Scenic River System.
FS RD 49
FEDERAL RECREATION PASSES
A Northwest Forest Pass is required at posted trailheads and recreational sites in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Federal Recreation Passes such as the America the Beautiful Pass, the Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes are also honored at
these sites. Passes may be purchased at the Darrington Ranger District and the Verlot Public Service Center or at other local vendors; check
out the forest website for Recreation Pass information, www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/passes
Northwest Forest Day Pass $5
Northwest Forest Annual Pass $30
eg
el
3521
se
n
Te
Ri
dg
Deer Creek
Pass
e
System
er
ic
Picnic Area
Sc
en
Darrington
Ranger Station
to Arlington
ad
Interpretive Site
20
ie
Lookout
Sa uk
Baseball Fields
Snow Play Area
30
ge
Old Sauk
Tr 728
6852
Mount
Bullen
Th
r
Jumbo
Mountain
5974
5850
ee
Fi n g
41
er s
River
n
Mountai
do w
Me a
Tr
ail
nt
ai
n
FOREST
Lo
Hi
gh
w
Road
Washed
Out
ay
Squire Creek
Pass
Cr
70
3
son
liam
Wil
Trail 70
4
4065
Tr 70
2
Tr 701
706
Tra
il
Ba i
ley
S
Walt
ul
ta
n
River
Headlee
Pass
Morning
Star Peak
Weden Creek
Trail 724
ris
to
5738
wHERE TO CAMP
Blue Mountain
National Forest Campground reservations can be made online at
www.hoodoo.com or at (877) 444-6777. Group sites can be reserved a
year in advance and family sites may be reserved six months ahead. Sites
are also available at the campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis.
Forest Service Developed Campgrounds
Red Bridge
Turlo
Verlot
22 Tent/Trailer camping sites
13 Tent/Trailer camping sites
83 Tent/Trailer camping sites, 10 Tent Only, 2 reservation group
sites. Flush toilets, Drinking Water and Showers.
16 Tent/Trailer camping sites
Tent/Trailer camping sites, Drinking Water.
26 Tent/Trailer camping sites. Flush toilets, Drinking Water.
Forest Service Group Campgrounds
Beaver Creek
Boardman Creek
Coal Creek
Esswine
Marten Creek
Tulalip Mill Site
Wiley Creek
25 Maximum People Capacity, Tent/Trailer camping sites
Tent/Trailer camping sites
25 Maximum People Capacity, Tent/Trailer camping sites
25 Maximum People Capacity, Tent/Trailer camping sites
8-10 Maximum People Capacity, Tent/Trailer camping sites
60 Maximum People Capacity, Tent/Trailer camping sites
20-24 Maximum People Capacity, Tent/Trailer camping sites
t
Tra
i
l
64
7
Goat
Lake
Foggy
Peak
Sheep Gap
Mountain
8
Sheep Gap
5318
Red Mountain
North Crested
Butte
South Crested
Butte
Gla
c i e r B a si
n
Tr 70
5683
Olney Pass
iot
Wilderness
d
Monte Cristo
(site)
Spada Lake
+
3080
Ell
6810
Del Campo
Peak
Culmback Dam
Bedal
Clear Creek
Gold Basin
R oa
6213
Cartography by Kulshan Cartographic Services
Bellingham, WA
7835
Jackson
Gothic Peak
2 km
Tra
il
Sloan
Peak
eek
7172
5683Columbia
Peak
Mineral City
Twin Peaks
5338
7186
Cadet
Peak
Silvertip Peak
Red Gulch
0 .5 .1
70
5
Cr
6020
1 mi
r
9
71
Tr
.5
tt
Henry M.
6610
0
Lo
Cr
Sunrise Mine
Trail 707
C
lio
Barlow Point
Trail 709
Barlow
Pass
6140
El
op
Barlow
Point
Sperry
Peak
Morning Star Natural Resources
Conservation Area
Tr
Vesper
Peak
Cr
Clo
sed in W
inte
r
Big Four
Mountain
Sl
al
Dickerman
Perry Creek
Trailhead
49
N.F . Sauk R .
ed
l
4096 B B e d a
Trail 723
6214
l
y
eT
rai
e
wa
idg
dg
gh
nR
Mt Dickerman
Trail 710
Monte Cristo
Lake
Big Four
Picnic Area Ice Cave
C
t ai
Mount
Dickerman
5723
80
Ri
Boardman
Lake
Hi
un
rry
Pe
40
Mo
tem
Sys
Coal Creek
Camp
Dick Sperry
Picnic Area
Perry Creek
Trail 711
Cr
Beav er Creek
Camp
Lost
North Fork
Sauk Falls
te
Department of
Natural Resources
ld
r
r
Ba
dy
op
ve
Ashland Lakes
Trail
ar
Lo
5740
Snow Play
Area
6135
a ll
Leads to Harold Engles Trail,
North Fork Sauk Trail, and
Lost Creek Ridge Trail
Bedal
Campground
Stillaguamish
Peak
Mon
Ri
r
ck
e
Riv
hu
nic
lc
Sce
k
0
M
n
Pi
Ashland
Lakes
7201
t ai
ee
GL
Mount
Pugh
un
Cr
403
2
State Park
21
403
5324
Bear
Lake
Pinnacle
ail
Lake Tr
e
52
Marten Creek
Campground
Tulalip
Campground
Red Bridge
Campground
4020
Mount Mount
Pilchuck Pilchuck
er
Black Chief
Mine
Youth on Age
Trail
Esswine
Campground
40
dg
Mo
70
0
Gold Basin
Mill Pond
Ri
95
Lake
Twenty
Two
Boardman
Wiley
Campground Creek Camp
n
20
Tr
Heather
Lake
G
do
or
l 713
42
Wil ey R idge
r
Stujack
Pass
Mt Pugh
Trail 644
Coal
Lake
40
De
60
Highway
k Trai
op
ve
Kelcema
Marte Lake
nC
40
Lo
Rive
Chuck
Trail 632
ree
Verlot Public
Service Center
(USFS)
Hemple Creek
Picnic Area
Turlo Campground
Gold Basin
Verlot Campground
Campground
ta
Sou
in
th
For
Stil
k
lagu
ami
sh R
.
Independence Lake
Trail 712
Ri
Independence
Lake
Kelcema Lake
Trail 718
Peek-A-Boo
Lake
and
North
Lake
Wilderness
uk
ld
Wi
5604
Sa
git
Peek-A-Boo
Trail 656
Big Bear
Mountain
un
Wh ite
Ska
Eightmile Creek
Trail 654
to Granite Falls
Bench Trail 731
ck
chu
White
White Chuck
Overlook
81
Tin Pan
Gap
41
24
White Chuck
River Access
6854
ts
op
20
t F la
ou
NATIONAL
r
Three Fingers
641
Go a
M
ve
206
0
Tupso
Pass
Ri
er
Boulder
r
SNOQUALMIE
22
Clear Creek
Campground
Whitehorse
Mountain
ain
Riv
ve
uk
Sauk
Ri
MOUNT BAKER
ou
nt
Road Washed Out
Lone T ree
Pass
M
ch
Tr
R id
Sa
wi
Tra
il 7
34
r
rs e
ld
ok
de
eho
rk
ul
er
Go
Backman
County Park
Fo
Bo
Riv
Wh
it
Ch
er
th
u ld
Sou
Bo
20
80
Boulder
Falls
Mo
ek
National Forest
National Forest Wilderness
State Park
State DNR
State DNR - Natural Resources
Conservation Area
Skagit Wild & Scenic
River System
Viewpoint
DARRINGTON
20
4032
Raft Launch
24
10
re
Forest Road
Number Designations
42
Universal Access
Ro
uk
Sa
Sk
530
Point of Interest
air
Squire Creek
Campground
(County)
sC
Forest Trails
State Highways
Paved County & Forest Roads
Paved / Gravel County
& Forest Roads
Road Gate
Blocked Road
Bridge
Campground
Pr
er
Whitehorse
Amphitheater and
Rodeo Grounds Whitehorse
Park
W
ild
Riv
h
ag
it
18
an
d
2810
SKAGI T COUN TY
SNOHO MISH COUN TY
is
Stillaguam
530
River
A NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE SCENIC BYWAY
na
LEGEND
Recreation Information
R.
MOUNTAIN
M
OUNTAIN LOOP HIGHWAY
to Rockport
S.R. 20
Riv
3528
4004
Columbia
Glacier
Kyes
Peak
7227
o
C
Visiting Big Four
Stop by Big Four and enjoy a piece of the area’s history
while having a picnic lunch. Hike for approximately one
mile from the Ice Caves Trailhead or the Big Four Picnic
Area across the river to the base of Big Four Mountain.
A shorter loop trip can be made through the wetlands by
following the old railroad grade connecting the Ice Caves
Trailhead and the Big Four Picnic Area. This section of
trail is accessible to persons of all abilities.
On a clear day, look up and see magnificent 6,135-foott
(1,870 m) Big Four Mountain standing sentinel over
the area. Snow avalanches tumble down the mountain’s
steep rock face continually during the cooler part of the
year and accumulate in the bowl-shaped cirque on its
north flank. Sheltered from direct sunlight, a glacierlike
avalanche debris pile at the base of the mountain shrinks
and grows from season to season.
The snowfield at the base of Big Four Mountain has its
dangers as deep holes and crevasses may not be readily
seen. The ice caves that form at the base of the mountain
are pretty amazing but should be observed from a safe
distance.
CAUTION - Know the Facts
Big Four Picnic Area
Big Four Ice Caves
• People have been injured and killed at the Ice Caves over the years – be safe not sorry!
• Avalanches tumble down the slopes of Big Four Mountain.
• Avalanche debris piles accumulate and form a glacier-like surface.
• Do not cross the icy debris piles as they can hold dangers such as deep holes and crevasses.
• Rock and ice collapse unexpectedly inside the caves.
• Observe the ice caves from a safe distance.
• Do not enter the caves as they can collapse at any time, leaving you injured and/or trapped.
Wilderness Travel
Many trails accessed from the Mountain
Loop Highway enter designated wilderness
boundaries. In order to protect wilderness
resources and provide for a quality
experience, the following wilderness area
regulations are in effect within the Mt.
Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Obey all fire closures
Group size is limited to 12 heartbeats;
this includes any combination of people,
livestock and pets.
Use of motorized or mechanized
equipment is prohibited. This restriction
includes bicycles and hang gliders.
Caching, leaving, or storing equipment, personal property or supplies unattended for more than 48
hours is prohibited.
Use processed feed for livestock. Unprocessed feed is not allowed as it can introduce undesirable
non-native plant species into wilderness environments.
Grazing any pack or saddle animal within 200 feet of any shoreline is prohibited.
Please do not hitch, tether, or hobble any pack or saddle animal within 200 feet of any shoreline.
Do not tie stock directly to trees. Use a highline or hobble and picket.
Safety In the Outdoors
Hiking Safety During Hunting Seasons - Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible.
Choose colors that stand out, like bright blue or green, and avoid blacks, browns, earth-tones and
animal-colored clothing.
• Make your self known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters you are in the vicinity.
• Know when hunting seasons are scheduled & be keep aware of where hunting is taking place.
Grouse and bear hunting season is typically September – December, sometimes earlier. October is the
high point of hunting season, including deer and elk.
• Discharging firearms within 150 yards of a developed and/or occupied area, or across a body of
water is prohibited in National Forests.
• Hunting rules and regulations are governed by the Washington State Department of Fish and
Wildlife. Check annually for updates to policies.
Mountain Loop Visitor Guide produced in partnership with Discover Your Northwest Interpretive
Association. Check out guide books, maps and other sale items offered through Discover Your
Northwest at Forest Service outlets or on-line at www.discovernw.org
Popular Sites
Along the Byway
Mt. Pilchuck State Park
From Verlot travel one mile east and turn right
onto FS Road 42. Continue 6.9 miles to the
trailhead. The trail begins at 3100 feet and
winds 3 miles through old growth forest, alpine
heather and large rocks reaching the summit
of Mount Pilchuck (5324 feet) and an old fire
lookout tower. The hike is strenuous but offers
incredible panoramic views of the Cascades,
Olympics and Puget Sound. The trail is usually
covered with snow until midsummer.
Monte Cristo
Park at Barlow Pass and head east for a
leisurely 4 mile walk to the site of the old
Monte Cristo mining district. Take a selfguided tour around what remains of the
original townsite. Camping is allowed only
at tent sites located just before the townsite;
vault toilet available, no drinking water. Hikers
can continue on to Silver and Twin Lakes,
as well as Glacier Basin, in the Henry M.
Jackson Wilderness were backcountry camping
opportunities extist.
Recreation Ethics
• Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
• Pack it in; pack it out.
• Dispose of all waste properly.
• Respect wildlife.
• Camp on durable surfaces.
• Minimize campfire impacts.
• • Leave what you find.
Learn more about how to minimize impacts
and practice Leave No Trace ethics at: www.
LNT.org or call: (800) 332-4100
Carry theTen Essentials
1. food & water
2. extra clothing
3. map
4. compass
5. knife
6. matches
7. fire starter
8. first aid kit
9. sunglasses
10 flashlight