Mountain Loop Highwaygot its name because it starts Southerly, heads northeast into the mountains, then turns at its highest point, Barlow Pass and heads northwest to Darrington. At the pass, it becomes a dirt rode and is currently closed due to a washout. The few miles around Barlow Pass are my favorite places in the area, with bold granite peaks everywhere.

Barlow Point is a short but steep hike with amazing views of the Stillaguamish and Sauk River Valleys, as well as a few mountains around it.

Monte Cristo Lakes are on the other side of Barlow Pass, where the road becomes gravel. This is one of the Monte Cristo Lakes.

The Sauk river changes from a brilliant green to deep rust based on the rocks below.

Here is one of the several washouts plaguing Mountain Loop Highway. We also several others like it on other roads.

This turned out a bit blurry, I am still learning to use my new camera. But tigerlilies are so lovely, I had to include it. I took this one on Monte cristo Rd, which leads to an old mining townsite. There are still many artifacts and several structures left.

Another photo from Monte cristo Rd, which runs along the Stilliguamish.

Past the Monte Cristo townsite is the lovely Glacier Basin.

This is a closeup of Glacier Falls.

We didn't make it all the way to Gothic Basin, but had a lovely hike nonetheless. Although it was long and steep, the stunning meadows and surrounding peaks were well worth it.

This is Columbine at one of the creek crossings on the Gothic Basin Trail.

This is the first fall along the Gothic Basin Trail, with its own ice cave.

A very pretty meadow, fairly close to Gothic Basin.

Harebells.

This is known as King Kong's Waterbath .

Indian Paintbrush.

Another beautiful meadow spot near the waterfall.