VERLOT — Hikers and campers can rejoice as Snohomish County and the U.S. Forest Service will partially open Mountain Loop Highway on Friday.

A 7-mile section of paved road will be open between the Deer Creek gate and the Barlow Pass gate. An unpaved, 12-mile section between Barlow Pass and Bedal Campground will remain closed until the Forest Service deems it passable.

“Normally, Mountain Loop Highway remains closed through Memorial Day, so we are pleased to provide early access to this very popular outdoor destination ahead of schedule,” said Kelly Snyder, Snohomish County Public Works director, in a press release. “We ask that visitors respect the remaining closure while enjoying the many recreational opportunities accessible along the west side of the highway.”

The road was originally pioneered in 1891 by miners and loggers. It was designated a scenic byway in 1991 and now runs for 55 miles. An estimated 200 cars per day use the road between Granite Falls and Darrington to access the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the summer, the release said.

Full passage of the road is normally limited to late spring to early fall due to snow and ice past Barlow Pass. A plethora of trails and camping sites lay along the Mountain Loop, though some popular destinations are closed for at least part of the season for construction: Mt. Pilchuck’s main route, Heather Lake, Big Four Ice Caves and more.

Last year the highway fully reopened to the public on May 20. The route has been closed since Nov. 9.