Mountain Loop Scenic Byway

Linking Darrington with Granite Falls is the Mountain Loop Highway National Forest Scenic Byway, which was first pioneered in 1891 by miners' dreams. Later developed as a road by loggers and members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this road was designated a Scenic Byway in 1991. Today's roadway passes 55 miles through boom-and-bust town sites and abandoned claims, as well as rushing rivers and glacier-clad peaks. Although the tracks are gone and the daily whistle silenced, today's traveler can still see remnants of times gone by.

Discover the Verlot Public Service Center, near the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1942, Verlot's handsome buildings reflect the architectural style and fine craftsmanship of that era and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Operating seasonally, the center's employees will help you plan an outing.

With snow lingering at Barlow Pass through late spring, driving the entire loop is usually limited to late spring through the fall. The road is paved from Verlot to Barlow Pass and from Darrington to the junction with the White Chuck River Road. The middle portion (14 miles) is a single-lane gravel road.

Mt. Loop Scenic Byway Guide

There are many campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads conveniently located on the Mountain Loop Highway, in addition to the numerous Forest Service roads that depart from the Highway. Those recreation sites that are immediately adjacent to the Scenic Loop are, listed from Darrington west and southward towards Verlot:

- Clear Creek Campground - Old Sauk North Trailhead - Old Sauk Universal Access Trailhead - Beaver Lake Trailhead - White Chuck Overlook ( White chuck Boat Launch is a short jaunt off the main road) - North Fork Sauk Road - Bedal Campground ( Elliot Creek/Goat Lake Trailhead is a short jaunt off the main road) - Barlow Pass Trailhead - Dickerman-Perry Trailhead - Big Four Picnic Area and Ice Caves Trailhead - Coal Creek Group Camp - Dick Sperry Picnic Area - Tulalip Mill Site Group Camp - Black Chief Mine Trailhead - Red Bridge Campground - Boardman Group Camp - Esswine Group Camp - Wiley Group Camp - Gold Basin Campground - Hemple Creek Picnic Area - Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead - Mt Pilchuck Road (accesses Mt. Pilchuck Trailhead ) - Heather Lake Trailhead (about 1.5 miles off the Highway on Pilchuck Road) - Verlot Campground - Verlot Public Service Center - Turlo Campground