Snohomish County roads department has almost completed the grading and clearing of the Mountain Loop highway! But the past week’s snow kept them from opening the winter gates for this weekend. So a buddy and I took our gravel bikes from the Deer Creek Gate closure, all the way to Barlow Pass, and towards Monte Cristo to the Reclamation road junction. There are many winter trees and debris to walk over and some water damage to avoid on bike but the weather was perfect and the new snows made the views spectacular. Hike a bikes were a few due to snow patches in shade and sections of large rock riverbed. Until major work is done by machines and trucks this area will always have hike a bike segments. It’s an adventure, not a flow or tech ride!

The closed, clear, empty highway is the big draw early in Spring and the roads to Monte Cristo are a bonus and a challenge.

The Trailforks Ride Log is here.