Monte Cristo Trail

Route Description for Monte Cristo Trail

Back in the 1890s, thousands of people came to work in Monte Cristo as the mining industry boomed. They mined ore to send to Everett via a newly constructed railroad. For a time, this little area was a boomtown. Eventually, funding issues, flooding along the railroad, and a shortage of mining materials caused most inhabitants to flee.

By 1907, mining in the region had mostly stopped. A few attempts to build a resort at the old mine site were short-lived, and eventually, Monte Cristo was abandoned. Today, a few remnants remain of the area’s boom and bust past.

The hike to the ghost town is quite relaxed. While it’s a touch longer than your average easy route, it lacks any significant elevation changes. It’s a scenic area, with old forests and mountains surrounding the valley.

There are also a few campsites along the trail, allowing you to stretch this adventure over a couple of days.

From the trailhead at Barlow Pass, you’ll hike along a closed road for the first 6.4 km. There are spots where the road’s been damaged by flooding, but it’s still easily passable on foot.

Hike past Hops Hill Campground, shortly after which you’ll be able to see exposed railroad tracks from the mining days.

Continue along the river past the Sauk River Campground. At Monte Cristo, you’ll cross the water on a log. While a bridge would be useful here, the USFS cannot build a bridge here. The Monte Cristo Preservation Association has not built a bridge, but they sometimes “Improve” the log.

Keep to the right to the town where a spur trail splits off to the left towards the campsite here.

Not many structures remain, so make sure you keep your distance from the ones that do to ensure they remain true to form for future hikers.

When you’re ready, you’ll turn around and return to the trailhead via the same route.

Hiking Route Highlights

Monte Cristo Ghost Town

Monte Cristo was a thriving mining town in the late 1800s. Here, iron ore was mined and shipped via a newly constructed railroad to Everett. For years, people flocked here to work. When an array of issues descended upon the mining industry in the early 1900s, Monte Cristo slowly began to lose its workers. Eventually, the town was abandoned altogether. All that remains now is a few structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive to the Monte Cristo ghost town?

The road to the town has been disused for many years due to flooding damage. At this point, the ghost town is only accessible one foot or by horse.

Is the Monte Cristo Trail kid-friendly?

Yes, this route is suitable for children.

Insider Hints for Monte Cristo Trail

• You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass for this hike.
• You can camp either near Monte Cristo or along the river here.
• Poles can be helpful for the log crossing.