Mtn Loop highway to open 10-26-07

[HZJ60 Guy]

Hello from a noob. The Mountain Loop highway is schedualed to open October 26th. Now there is plenty of adventure explorations on that baby. Im looking forward to it.

Mountain Loop Road Reopens

Darrington, Granite Falls and Arlington Welcome Outdoor Tourists

October 23 , 2007

After a four-year effort to repair more than $10 million in damaged roads and bridges, Mountain Loop Scenic Highway reopens October 26 to give outdoor enthusiasts access to many of their favorite trails and roads on Darrington Ranger District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The Mountain Loop Scenic Highway follows the South Fork Stillaguamish River over Barlow Pass and into the South Fork Sauk River drainage. It will re-connect the towns of Darrington and Granite Falls. Arlington also hopes to benefit from the opening as people take scenic drives using highways 9, 530, and the Mountain Loop Scenic Highway.

The 2003 flood damaged more than 40 roads, closing many of them, and restricting public access to popular spots. Many popular trails were also damaged and closed.The repairs were extensive, requiring engineers to realign sections of the roadway from the South Fork Sauk River away from the Sauk River and upgrade culverts. Although officials expected the work to be finished in June, weather and technical difficulties delayed the contractor until this fall. Snow usually closes the road from November until late spring.

The four-year wait for the road to be finished has been a long one for the small communities that have depended on tourist revenue since the loss of the mining and timber industries. An estimated 55,000 tourists traveled through the towns during the height of the tourist season, from May through September, spending their money. Mayor Joyce Jones of Darrington estimates the road closure cost her town $750,000. ?Because of our beautiful location in the Cascades we are a stopping off point for users of all ages to enjoy their major recreational sport, be it hiking, fishing, scenic driving or camping,? she said. When spring rolls around, Arlington, Darrington and Granite Falls are planning a big festival involving all three towns to celebrate the opening of Mountain Loop Road.

They will have a lot to showcase. Arlington just finished rebuilding Olympic Avenue, its main commercial street in downtown, sparking redevelopment of multiple merchant properties. Darrington just completed a covered gazebo and installed new playground equipment in its downtown park, and Granite Falls recently opened a new historical museum. ?I have looked forward to the re-opening of the Mountain Loop Highway, and now we will all be able to enjoy, once again, one of the most beautiful scenic drives and recreational areas in Western Washington,? said Granite Falls? Mayor Lyle Romack

Visitors can check road closures on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest at the www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/conditions/road_conditions_report.shtml.

[Larry Anderson]

In 2003 I had a head-on collision on the Mt Loop Hwy. Just north of the Goat Lake road. A man in a brand new Ford Ranger 2wd was coming northbound at about 45mph, it was a wide corner and lots of room to react, but he was going so fast that he lost control of his truck and hit us head-on. We were all okay thankfully. His truck was totaled, I drove my poor old 86' 4Runner home from there to Mount Vernon. When I took my insurance agent up there people were passing us like we were sitting still, on a wide single lane FS road! This is a great area for exploring, just drive slow and stay aware.

[Steve]

Unfortunately, a lot of people drive forest roads like they are the only people on them. Over the years, I've had many close calls but no collisions.

Now days, if I'm coming to a blind corner, I slow down enough to stop and/or react to other drivers.

Steve

[GOZ 2 11]

Drove it the weekend before last. After hiking the Old Robe Trail and exploring the Big Four ice caves it was dark when we got to the gravel part so I cant attest to any scenery. It's in good condition with just a few potholes. Muddy after a rain but with good grip.