Through the mountains east of Granite Falls, Washington, winds the Mountain Loop Highway. Connecting Granite Falls and Darrington, it's a beautiful drive in Summer, treacherous in Winter. A huge chunk of it is closed during the winter months - often year-round - but there are still sights to see if you have the nerve and access to a four-wheel drive vehicle.

We set out on a February morning to test my bro's new 4x4 on a few of the forest service roads that fan out into the peaks off the highway. Although cool and wet, the Mountain Loop is scenic in any season.

Our first stop was at the river crossing just east of Granite Falls. The Stilliguamish is generally tame this time of year - raging in Spring - but due to unseasonal warming it was awash with snow melt, giving it a peculiar creamy white tone. We got the feeling we were taking our lives into our own hands just crossing the bridge.

Some of the forest service roads proved undrivable. All were littered with debris from winter storms - some more than others - which limited us in how far we could take them. We did reach the snow line a few times, but alas, much further above that proved impassable. Still, it was great fun and highly recommended. Just watch out for falling trees.



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