Barlow Point Trail No. 709

Published 9:00 pm Friday, November 14, 2003

What: A short climb off the Mountain Loop Highway.

Where: Take the Mountain Loop Highway 19.4 miles east of Granite Falls to the parking area at Barlow Pass.

Length: 2.4 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning elevation: 2,300 feet

Ending elevation: 3,200 feet

Permit: Northwest Forest Pass

Map: Green Trails No. 111, Sloan Peak

Notes: The popular Monte Cristo Trail has several slides along it, but the shorter, steeper trail across the road that leads to Barlow Point is still open. Stay right at the fork 0.3 miles in and then switchback up the ridge to some good views, weather permitting, of Big Four and the Stillaguamish River Valley. The Mountain Loop Highway is still closed due to flood damage just past Barlow Pass, and it’s down to one lane in a few places. Watch out for trees across the road, too.

Andy Wineke