Illabot Mainline

The first several miles of Illabot Mainline were easy and passable with plenty of room to allow other vehicles to pass, or turn around. Some occasional washboarding and potholes that are navigable in most any vehicle regardless clearance or drivetrain. Encountered some sections of snow around ele. 2,400’, at which point the trail becomes more narrow, so expect some pin striping. There’s several impressive waterfalls along the lower half of the trail, and great views of the Skagit River valley below.

Trail was in good shape though there was at least one dump site, a few abandoned wrecks and some target practice trash in several areas. Most of the road was smooth though keep on the lookout for potholes in the flats. There was a brush clearing operation going on today that cleared all but the last mile or so to the split to the Slide Lake trailhead and at least one side road. The split up to thw summit was a but too overgrown for my taste today and the rest of the road to the Slide Lake trailhead was a bit brushy but nothing too bad so we rode it out. I was able to fit my full size through with just minor pinstripes. There was one minor tilted spot and a blowdown that was cut through at an odd angle and can be a bit tricky for bigger rigs. The trail beyond the Slide Lake trailhead had some clearing and I could probably get my full sized past the barrier obstical fairly easily but we were tired and didn't want to deal with it. smaller vehicles should have no problem.