Posted in Washington April 20, 2022 by

The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of Washington All Over Again

We’re so lucky to live in such a geographically diverse state. Washington boasts everything from ocean beaches to rolling wheat fields, with plenty of mountain ranges and glacial lakes in between. And nothing makes us appreciate our diverse beauty more than a good old-fashioned scenic drive. The Evergreen State is a road trip lover’s paradise.

The Mountain Loop Highway is a drive that can easily be accomplished in a day, as long as you live a few hours from Darrington. This underrated stretch of highway will make you fall in love with this state all over again.

Google Maps
The Mountain Loop Highway spans Highway 530 from Darrington to Granite Falls (or vice versa).
Jasperdo / Flickr
This is one of the best scenic drives in Washington. But because it's not easily accessible to most, it's extremely underrated.
The name suggests that this is a full loop. It isn't, but you'll love it anyway.
Junkyardsparkle / Wikipedia
It's actually a small portion of a loop, which is completed using State Routes 92, 9, and 530.
The highway itself is amazing, but it's even better if you plan to venture off the beaten path and hike.
Jasperdo / Flickr
So many hiking trails, including the Big Four Ice Caves trail (pictured here), originate from this area.
In spite of the route's location, you won't see a lot of sweeping mountain views.
Eric Schoep / alltrails.com
What you’ll find instead is a plethora of lush green trees, and they only get more abundant if you leave the highway and decide to stretch your legs.
Eventually, you'll reach the charming little city of Granite Falls.
ECTran71 / Wikipedia
First settled in 1884, the town is known as being a gateway to some fantastic hikes.
When you pass through Granite Falls, make sure to check out the Stillaguamish River.
Jasperdo / Flickr
It's even more beautiful in person.
The Mountain Loop Highway isn't a true loop, so it doesn't really have an ending... but if you start in Darrington, you'll end up in the small community of Verlot.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Verlot is near the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, surrounded by lush green trees.

Do you have a favorite scenic road trip route in Washington?

Address: Mountain Loop Highway, Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls, WA, USA