Mountain Loop Highway to close for the winter

GRANITE FALLS — As winter approaches, Snohomish County officials are shutting down the Mountain Loop Highway.

Starting 5 p.m. Friday, the road will be closed between Deer Creek to the west and Bedal Creek to the east.

Snow is hitting higher elevations. In making the decision, Snohomish County Public Works consulted with the U.S. Forest Service, Darrington, Granite Falls and other partners. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office will help with the closure.

“We don’t want to wait any longer as snow has started to accumulate in the higher elevations,” public works director Kelly Snyder said.

The 14 miles of gravel road is closed each winter due to snow and road conditions. In the spring, Snohomish County Public Works and the U.S. Forest Service team up to do any necessary maintenance before reopening the road.

In the summer, more than 100 cars use the road each day, with up to 200 on weekends.