Hey I just heard that after four years of being closed due to storm damage, the Mountain Loop Highway has finally reopened from Darrington to Barlow Pass!

 

So any interest in doing a tour de Mountain Loop? Kind of a last fall trip before the snow flies. There's lots of side roads and stuff to explore, a cool fire lookout up on North Mountain above Darrington, and even some abondonned/washed out roads for Hatch Patrollin'. If meet-up points were established, this could be a fun day trip for steet cars and offroaders alike. The only catch is that Barlow Pass will be closed for the winter pretty soon, so any Loop trips will need to happen before the first big white dump.

I'd suggest doing the loop in the clockwise direction. Perhaps meet near the I-5 exit by Arlington.

 

So anyone interested?

That sounds like a interesting trip, one I've never done before.

I guess timing is important tho.

Been wanting to get together with you on a run for a while.

Pick a date Mike.

I loved that road. I never did the entire loop, but it was a short drive from Lake Stevens, and provided some nice twisty mtn. roads.

I'd be willing to join in on the event if I can.

I'd be willing to join in on the event if I can.

 

You trust that wagon to go that far? :-p

Lol, I like to think I do. It has survived two trips across the state recently.

Well since I currently have no Subarus I can drive, it ain't gonna be this weekend.

 

So how about Sunday November 11th?

8am?

Meet at (or near) the Arlington Denny's Restaurant located just off the I-5 exit to State Route 530.

 

How about inviting the Outback message board folks and others?

 

Map to Arlington Denny's (if the link works)

Google Maps

Well, I'm out then. :-p

Well since I currently have no Subarus I can drive, it ain't gonna be this weekend.

 

So how about Sunday November 11th?

8am?

Meet at (or near) the Arlington Denny's Restaurant located just off the I-5 exit to State Route 530.

 

How about inviting the Outback message board folks and others?

 

Map to Arlington Denny's (if the link works)

Google Maps

 

Ack, I would have to leave the house by at least 6:30am

Not sure if I can get my boys up and ready to go by that time :-\

Yeah Rob, I got to thinking that the early launch time maybe wasn't such a great idea. I'm up early for work so it's just my programming.

 

Would 10 or 11 be better? Folks could sleep off at least some of the hangover or go to early church (or both if they're like the catholics I grew up with.)

 

And speaking of spiritual conflicts, are there any games that day I don't know about? Seachickens play on monday night that week so no problem there.

 

Last time I did a Sunday drive to Darrington, we went up North Mountain and checked out the view from the old fire lookout and then we went back down to to Darrington for lunch at a Tavern. Despite what I've heard, the locals were actually quite friendly and the food was excellent.

9 or 10am would be fine. I dont worry about hangovers any more.

And heading up into the hills is my idea of going to Church

Ok, so 10am Sunday Nov 11th it is then.

Any other opinions on start time or day?

Oh yeah. For lunch I'd prefer to skip the tavern and heat up some coffee and stuff on the tailgate somewhere scenic.

Now I just need to get my legacy to pass emissions. I'm currently driving a honda. yikes

I have an AutoX in Bremerton that day, so I'm out for the 11th.

Sounds like something the brat could handle. I'll tag along

Hey Eric, would you mind posting a thing over on the Outback message board about this trip. They know you over there and I bet some of those folks would be up for a trip like this. Thanks man.

Hey Eric, would you mind posting a thing over on the Outback message board about this trip. They know you over there and I bet some of those folks would be up for a trip like this. Thanks man.

 

Done.

Tavern might look pretty inviting if the weather is anything like this afternoon

I will pack a lunch either way

 

I'd prefer to skip the tavern and heat up some coffee and stuff on the tailgate somewhere scenic.

So who's still going?

 

Meet at 10am this Sunday near Denny's at I-5 exit to Arlington.

If you're in, I'm in Mike. I think I twisted Ken's arm enough to get him to show too.

I'm in, the Brat needs a scenic drive----Brian

Ok if you guys are up for going then I'm in. I've been sorting and getting rid of Beth's clothing and stuff. Damn sad business. I really need to get out and be around people.

 

Sounds like there might be rain that day.I don't mind rain or snow, I just want to be able to see the big mountains. White Horse and Big Four are just a couple of the peaks along this route. Great scenery if the clouds aren't hangin too low. I'm hoping we can get up to North Mountain Lookout above Darrington and maybe try exploring the Coal Lake Road and up to the old Mount Pilchuck ski area.

Looks like I'll driving the Legacy. Still haven't fixed the emmisions problem so I'll have to get a trip permit.

Here's the link to the Forest Circus webpage describing the route and scenic viewpoints etc.

There used to be a couple of fairly safe old mine shafts right next to road not too far from Red Bridge and the Washout. Bring a flashlight and boots if you want to get a quick dose of what it's like underground.

For a preview of some scenery check out: http://darringtonwa.org/pictures.php

Here's a TopoZone map showing the road to North Mountain Lookout: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=48.29523&lon=-121.64617&s=200&size=l&datum=nad83&layer=DRG100

I'm definatly in. Made arrangments days ago. Better not back out now :-p

Best thing to do is get out and be with friends.

Mike & Rob- you feel the loss now but it will ease with time-been there done that-higher power will see to it-Ken

What're ya bringin' Rob?

 

The RX (Ozzie).

Got the new tires and I hear the weather is going to be WHITE

 

 

(Possible)