
Where is Barlow Pass?
Usa, north-america
21 km
718 m
hard
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Barlow Pass in northwestern Washington, nestled in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This place is a gem! You can park right at the top (elevation 2,355ft), making it super accessible. Heads up though – bring your own water, as the local stuff has some not-so-friendly heavy metals.
You'll cruise up the Mountain Loop Highway to get there. Picture this: towering mountains in every direction – seriously stunning. The road’s paved on both ends, but there's a 14-mile (21 km) stretch around the pass that’s a single-lane gravel road. Keep an eye on conditions, as floods sometimes cause closures. The whole shebang is about 52.5 miles long, winding through some unforgettable scenery.
Barlow Pass is also the trailhead for Monte Cristo, a cool old mining ghost town. The road there is blocked off – and for good reason! It's super rough and not for cars, but the trail itself is pretty manageable, though those past floods did leave their mark. Happy trails!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 21 km
- Max Elevation
- 718 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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