Access to Big Four, Barlow Pass open along Mountain Loop Highway

VERLOT — Snohomish County road crews cleared the way Tuesday to the Big Four Ice Caves, Barlow Pass and other recreation areas along the Mountain Loop Highway.

Workers finished removing snow and downed trees, allowing them to open the gate near Deer Creek. That happened later than normal in the season because of late snowfall and snow level at low elevations.

Two weeks ago, road crews completed emergency repairs on the Mountain Loop Highway at the Waldheim Slide area west of Silverton. That was the first time both lanes of the road had been open since December.

With access on Mountain Loop Highway restored, travelers are still encouraged to make sure end destinations are open. Check with the U.S. Forest Service at www.fs.usda.gov/mbs or by calling 360-436-1155 or 360-691-7791. Another option is checking www.snoco.org, searching for “roads central” and looking up the Mountain Loop Highway under “current road and bridge projects.”