Goat Lake
2 days ago
Fall color arriving at the lake
13 this month · 113 reports
Barlow Point
North Cascades
updated 1 week ago
The Barlow Point trail is currently snow-free and in good condition, with no major obstacles reported. The road access is suitable for all vehicles, and parking was ample on September 12. Hikers have noted the trail can be steep and rocky, with sections that are difficult to follow due to forest debris. Hazy, smoky conditions have affected views, and the smell of smoke was noticeable on September 12. Fall colors from vine maple and huckleberry bushes are present. Mosquitoes were an annoyance on July 3, though bug spray was effective.
Generated from 11 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Barlow Point
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The trail is generally in good condition and snow-free as of September 12. However, it is described as steep and rocky, with some sections being difficult to follow due to forest debris, particularly on barely-used parts. Hikers have also encountered and cleared logs on the trail, most recently on July 3.
The road to Barlow Point is suitable for all vehicles, and parking was not an issue on September 12. There were a large number of cars at the trailhead, but they were primarily for other, more popular trails nearby, leaving Barlow Point relatively uncrowded.
Yes, multiple reports from September 12 mention hazy, smoky conditions affecting the views. The smell and taste of smoke were also noted by hikers on that date. This haze has persisted from earlier in the day into the afternoon.
Bugs were reported as an annoyance on July 3, with mosquitos being specifically mentioned. However, the use of bug spray was effective in preventing bites. No other recent reports mention insect issues.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Not in shape for badassery but still want a bit of a hike? This has a nice payoff for a 2 1/2 mile hike. Don't be alarmed at the huge number of cars at the TH, they are headed for badassery on the oth...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Having finished one hike nearby we decided to check off this short one as well while we were in the neighborhood. We crossed the street and reached the trailhead around 2pm, passing two nice folks eat...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Do yourself two favors: 1) avoid the crowd going to Monte Cristo by doing this hike to Barlow Point, 2) avoid the dicey section that traverses a cliff by taking the Railroad Grade loop instead. For th...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Met a small crew on their way down that had done some trail work fixing the issues that cropped up over the winter. Cut several logs including a big one that was difficult to navigate around. Amazing!...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Trail under-utilized, a little scruffy & 3 fallen trees to go over/under plus didn’t see another hiker over 3 hrs (incl late lunch at top). Lovely views at the top, but not 360d due to tree height. ...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Several trees down across the trail most are easy to navigate. One, at about 0.25 miles in, you have to walk along the side of it.The trail is not obvious in some places, but even slightly experienced...
Older4 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The gate at Deer Creek opened two weeks ago on the Mountain Loop Highway as far as Barlow Pass. I wanted to get a view from the point before snow melted on the surrounding peaks. Most of the snow has ...
Older5 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We biked the roughly 7 miles with 700 ft elevation gain to the TH and hiked up to the point. Nice views at the top, lots of trees down, including a bad one on the main trail that I would recommend tak...
Older12 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The trail is easily accessible with good parking. I went mid-week on a beautiful sunny day, arrived at 10:00 a.m., and found a spot in the parking lot; other cars were parked on the road. Most people ...
Older12 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Did this hike in the afternoon after hike to Pass Lake (via Coal Lake TH) earlier. Straight forward switchbacks. No other hikers. Nice views. Nothing else noteworthy. Regarding the mileage. WTA a...