Washington's Mountain Loop Highway Is a Scenic Road Trip Waiting to Happen

Washington is home to endless mountains, forests, and national parks that will put you in a road-trip state of mind. Abundant winding routes get sightseers off the beaten path, but the Mountain Loop Highway showcasing the famous Cascades is certainly one of the most impressive.

This route, though it's called a loop, is actually a horseshoe-shaped highway that starts in Granite Falls, swings out eastward to skirt the perimeter of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, then boomerangs back to Darrington, just northeast of Granite Falls. The Mountain Loop Highway is officially 55 miles long and takes about two hours to travel in one direction. It's open only from late spring to fall because of winter weather in the mountains, so it's best to go in the summer — from late May to September — and check the road conditions before you go.

Road trippers have the option of going out and back, soaking in the stunning alpine scenery twice, or making a real loop by traveling back to Granite Falls via Arlington, a shorter (roughly hour-long) but decidedly less scenic option.

Find out all about this quintessentially PNW drive, including where to stop for photos and hikes, where to stay, and how long the Mountain Loop Highway takes.

Know Before You Go

This highway is one of the best ways to see the Western Cascades, unsurpassed in Pacific Northwestern beauty. It's bookended by two remote cities in Snohomish County, neither very bustling nor equipped with accommodations. That said, many complete the drive as a day trip from Seattle, 50 minutes (without traffic) from Granite Falls. To drive from Seattle to Granite Falls, along the Mountain Highway Loop to Darrington, back to Granite Falls via Arlington, then back to Seattle would take 4.5 to five hours not including stops.

But there are lots of photo ops, hikes, and other reasons to stop along the route, which gives road trippers an incentive to split the journey over a couple days. In good weather, camping is a great option that allows for a full wilderness experience. Popular places to pitch (or park) include Verlot Campground, about 15 minutes from Granite Falls, and Bedal Campground, halfway between Granite Falls and Darrington on the Mountain Loop Highway. Both are operated by the National Forest Service and are only open seasonally, around May to September.

For something a little more elevated, the Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge is a tucked-away oasis 15 minutes south of Granite Falls.

Road Conditions

Although beautiful, this scenic highway isn't always the easiest to navigate. After you reach Barlow Pass, about 45 minutes into the drive, the two-lane road ends and the pavement gives way to gravel. It's drivable if you take your time, but always err on the side of caution. Because of winter weather, the road closes from around September through April, often into May.

Keep in mind that snow and ice are not restricted to winter. Even when the road is open to traffic, you should be cautious. Always check the weather and road conditions before you go, and plan accordingly.

Where to Stop Along the Mountain Loop Highway

Before hitting the highway, stock up on road trip snacks and picnic supplies at the Granite Falls IGA. There are no places to eat on this remote stretch, but there are plenty of places to pull over and claim a picnic bench.

About 30 minutes from Granite Falls, the first major attraction you'll come across is Big Four Mountain. At 4,000 feet, its north face is in clear view from the Mountain Loop Highway. The mountain was named after a giant "4"-shaped snowpatch that can be seen on its east face. Stop for a photo at this gorgeous landmark before continuing on to Big Four Ice Caves.

The ice caves, about 38 minutes into the drive, are a natural phenomenon created from a mixture of snow runoff, waterfalls, and windy conditions. The mile-long hiking path to get there is well-maintained and not difficult for those who don't mind a small hike. Once you reach the caves, however, you'll need to admire them from afar. Entering or climbing on top of the caves is strictly prohibited.

After your tour of Big Four, hop back in the car and drive another eight minutes to the old mining town of Monte Cristo for a dose of local history. In the late 1800s, the town was booming with thousands of people seeking their fortunes. Unfortunately, flooding and miscalculations of what could actually be mined left this town in shambles. Today you'll find a ghost town, but you can embrace the quiet and spend some time picturing what life was like a hundred years before.

After Monte Cristo, you're in for a long stretch of scenic driving. The next thing worth stopping for is about 50 minutes away, and it's primed for taking a snack break. White Chuck Overlook has a picnic area and toilets with panoramic views. If you're lucky, you could spot a mountain goat in the late summer and early fall.

From White Chuck Overlook to the end of the Mountain Loop Highway, Darrington, is a 15-minute drive. In warm weather, consider whitewater rafting here or hiking any of the hundreds of miles of picture-perfect mountain vistas.

Darrington to Granite Falls Via Arlington

If you decide that one go around the Mountain Loop Highway is enough for one day, you can opt for a shorter route back to Granite Falls in the other direction, on State Route 530. Whereas the Mountain Highway Loop is more of a horseshoe shape, you can close the circle by traveling through the small town of Arlington.

Its nickname, "the Shingle Capital of the World," says a lot about it. In other words, there isn't much to do here save a casino and kangaroo farm. But you can stop for a pint at Bad Dog Distillery or a slice of Stilly Diner's pie of the day before heading back to the start of the route.

From Arlington to Granite Falls is about 14 miles, or 25 minutes, along the residential Jordan Road, which trails the meandering South Fork Stillaguamish River.