Hiking to Silver Lake via Monte Cristo Trail

Located in the heart of the Central Cascades, this trail combines rich history with natural beauty, making it a must-do for hikers seeking both adventure and a glimpse into Washington’s mining past. Starting at Barlow Pass, the trail follows an old road to Monte Cristo, a once-thriving mining town from the 19th century, now a ghost town with remnants like a railroad turntable and old structures. The  trail extends to Silver Lake, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks, but requires navigating a challenging uphill through dense forest and undergrowth. Whether you choose the moderate out-and-back or the strenuous loop, this hike offers unforgettable scenery and a rewarding experience, just a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle.

 

Hiking Options

Option 1: Out-and-Back to Monte Cristo

• Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: Around 800 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Description: Perfect for hikers seeking a historical adventure without extreme exertion, this 8-mile out-and-back follows an old mining road from Barlow Pass to the Monte Cristo ghost town. About 1 mile in, you’ll encounter a water crossing over the Sauk River, typically via a large log where a bridge once stood. The crossing’s difficulty depends on water levels, which can vary with mountain runoff—check conditions before heading out. From there, it’s an easy 3-mile walk to Monte Cristo, passing a campground with six sites and offering good views of peaks across the valley. At Monte Cristo, explore historic remnants like the railroad turntable and old mining structures before retracing your steps to the trailhead. 

 

 

 

Option 2: Continue up to to Silver Lake

• Distance: Approximately 13.3 miles round trip (including the Monte Cristo portion of the trail)
• Elevation Gain: Around 2,900 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Description: For a more adventurous experience, the 13.3-mile hike extends beyond Monte Cristo to Silver Lake, offering stunning alpine views but demanding significant effort. After reaching Monte Cristo via the same 4-mile road and Sauk River crossing, continue past the campground and cross the Sauk River again on a footbridge to enter the townsite. From the clearing with the railroad turntable, find the trail to Poodle Dog Pass and Silver Lake. This section involves nearly 2 miles of steep, rocky switchbacks through dense forest and thick undergrowth, requiring hikers to jump over or crawl under large fallen trees. The trail can be slippery and exposed in areas, demanding stamina and navigation skills. At Poodle Dog Pass, descend a quarter mile to Silver Lake, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. This option is best for experienced hikers ready for a challenge.

 

• Getting there 
  1. From Seattle, take I-5 North for approximately 30 miles to Exit 194 in Everett, then follow signs for SR-92 East toward Granite Falls.
  2. Proceed through Granite Falls and turn left onto the Mountain Loop Highway.
  3. Continue past the Verlot Ranger Station for about 30 minutes to Barlow Pass, where the pavement turns to gravel.
  4. At Barlow Pass, park at the trailhead on the right, where the gated road to Monte Cristo begins.
• Parking Pass: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the Barlow Pass trailhead. 

Restroom Availability

• A pit toilet is available at the Barlow Pass trailhead,