Counties - Mountain Loop

I wanted to do a drive through the Cascades in eastern Snohomish county.  But I found that the Mountain Loop Highway to Darrington had a 17 mile unpaved stretch.  Dennis wouldn't go for that mainly because our (pretty new) Prius does not a spare tire (none of them do).  

So I modified the trip.  There are not that many roads through the mountains.  This route, though satisfying did NOT stay in Snohomish County, part of it is in Skagit County and even some in Whatcom County, the most northern.

We took Hwy 530 from Arlington all the way to Darrington, a very cute little mountain town.  Then up 530 until it ended at Hwy 20 where we went west.  I decided to do a little side trip to Baker Lake.  We had been to Mount Baker and seen lakes but had we been to Baker Lake?  Nope, new to us.  The vehicle in the lake is depositing baby fish.  Dennis and Bowen are both smiling.

Back along Highway 9 which cuts in at Sedro Wooley.  We had been to softball games at Janicki fields but not seen the old downtown before.  Which we encountered after making a wrong turn.  We stopped at Bryant General Store and bought more Agua Fresca; pretty warm.

We picnicked in Darrington, very pleasant spot behind the temporary library.  Forested landscape with soaring hills around the town.

Maybe the surprise was Baker Lake, heard of it but never seen it.

Bowen (the large dog) loves to come on these trips.  Loves to be included.  Good in the car except when he rests his large head on Dennis' shoulder.  Willing to be on the leash.  I'm still worried about leaving him in the car.