What: A nice trip back in time to the mining era of the late 1800s. Glacier Basin is home to several daunting and snowcapped peaks, including Monte Cristo, Cadet and Wilmans. This can also be a great overnight trip for the experienced hiker and climber with plenty of opportunities for scrambles to high peaks. Ruins from the mining era and the old town site make for an interesting history lesson in addition to the stunning hike.
Where: From the Verlot Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), travel west on the Mountain Loop Highway 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass. Park on the highway or in the parking lot and proceed on foot past the gate on the Monte Cristo Road.
Length: 12.2 miles round trip
8.0 miles round trip to Monte Cristo
4.2 miles round trip from Monte Cristo to Glacier Basin
Difficulty: Strenuous
Beginning elevation
Barlow Pass: 2,349 feet
Monte Cristo: 3,200 feet
Highest elevation: 4,500 feet
Elevation gain (Total): 2,151 feet
From Barlow Pass: 851 feet
From Monte Cristo: 1,300 feet
Map: Green Trails Monte Cristo 143
Notes: Don’t let the mileage scare you away from this great day hike. The trick is to bring along mountain bikes for the first 4 miles in. With only 851 feet in elevation gain, a leisurely pace can get you to the old town of Monte Cristo in about 30 minutes. The Monte Cristo road follows the old grade of what used to be the Monte Cristo railroad. At 1.7 miles you will cross a large bridge as it passes over the South Fork Sauk River. Another creek is encountered just a few feet past the bridge, and you’ll have to push or carry the bikes across.
Once at the town site, there are plenty of places for lunch and a quick rest stop. There is a rack to lock your bike up, and then the trail continues up the path until the first junction at a quarter-mile. Go straight and follow the signs to Glacier Basin. The old-growth forest trail is short-lived, and you will find yourself in the Glacier Falls region, then climbing up a short but steep area called “Mystery Hill.” Please be aware that the steep section has large rocks and can be difficult at times, especially on the way down. Once you pass the steep section you will enter the alpine zone amid heather and rock. The grunting and struggling up Mystery Hill is well worth views in the basin. No snow was encountered on our trip until past Glacier Basin. A fragile meadow sits in the heart of the basin, so please be careful and limit your impact.
Other opportunities: Experienced hikers and climbers can climb a number of peaks in the area.
Permits: Northwest Pass required for parking, restrooms are available at the trailhead.
More information: Contact the Verlot Service Center at 360-691-7791 or consult the “Fresh Reports” section on the Washington Trails Association Web site at www.wta.org.
Scott Harder is owner of Quest Alb Mountaineering, www.questalb.com.
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