I wanted to get this hike in before the MLH closes for the season. When I arrived there were four other vehicles at the and several parked along the highway but they were all going back into Monte Cristo or other trails in that area. I didn't see anyone else on the Barlow Point trail. That seems to be the way it usually is. The point trail is short but steep but the views are great at the top.
The trail is in good condition but it has its usual rocks and roots which when wet can be a little dicey, especially when they are covered with wet leaves. The recent rain must have heavy because there were little terraces of fir needles built up on the trail. Looking at a map of the area you see that the route goes between two spines to the north and south that terminate at the summit of Twin Peaks and Mount Forgotten. There are still some autumn colors to enjoy-maples, mountain ash and even the ferns that have turned brown and orange.
The clouds were high today so they did not obscure the views of Sheep Mountain, Big Four, Hall Peak, Twin Peaks and a glimpse thru trees of Mount Pugh. All the peaks had some snow at the tops except for Hall.
As a side note, when I got back to the trailhead I looked at the information on the kiosk about the lookout that been at the summit. One of the photos of the lookout taken in 1964 was by the late James Cameron. He was my history teacher at Cascade High School from 1963 to 1964. His class had inspired me to be a history major in college. It was in his class that the announcement came over the intercom that president Kennedy had been assassinated. Stunned silence. Classes continued the rest of the day but no real teaching. So that is how a photo at a trailhead can trigger a memory. David passed away this year but he was a big supporter the outdoors-particularly the environment, fighting forest fires and preserving historical areas.
The Mountain Loop Highway (MLH) is in good condition. There was evidence of recent fallen tree removal from the telltale saw dust and small pieces of bark on the side of the road. There room for about twenty vehicles at the trailhead lot but I have never seen more than five-six there. I didn't check out the restroom there but it is usually open the whole time that the highway is open.
Comments
Muledeer on Barlow Point
Wow you're older than I am! I was in 7th grade when we heard the news
Posted by:
Muledeer on Oct 31, 2025 04:38 PM
George & Sally on Barlow Point
I also went to Cascade High, Class of '67. I did not have Mr. Cameron for a teacher. In looking in my '66 Vista yearbook, Mr. Cameron is not listed. Remember Phil Zalesky? Another history teacher. He was in the Everett Mountaineers with my dad Bill. George
Posted by:
George & Sally on Oct 31, 2025 04:53 PM
thebrink on Barlow Point
I think this was Mr. Cameron's first year. Mr. Zalesky was there then also. You were in the same year as my late wife, Penny Simon.
Posted by:
thebrink on Oct 31, 2025 08:01 PM
thebrink on Barlow Point
Older indeed!
Posted by:
thebrink on Oct 31, 2025 07:57 PM