Barlow Point — Monday, Apr. 22, 2024

The Mountain Loop Highway is now open to Barlow Pass. The road is in great condition. No snow anywhere but be on the lookout for frost or ice in the early morning.

The trail is in as good of condition as it can be dry, no mud and no snow. It just has its usual abundant roots and rocks. I the morning there was some lingering frost and ice, but that melted out by the time I returned around noon.

The view from the point was stunning. The east face of Big Four is still bright with snow as is Hall Peak. The tops of Stillaguamish Peak, Twin Peaks and Mount Forgotten are snow covered and Sheep Mountain to the southeast has enough snow to set off its texture.

The only flowers I saw were trilliums that were not in full bloom. All of them were in the area below the rock headland where the deteriorating wooden steps are.

The restrooms at Verlot are still closed but the loo in the trailhead parking lot is open, clean and well stocked.