Monte Cristo was a prominent mining community a little more than a century ago.

Mining has long been discontinued in this area known today as the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just east of Granite Falls. But you will still find relics from the old abandoned mining operations at Monte Cristo, one of the Northwest's most interesting ghost towns.

To get there, take Highway 9 near Snohomish to US 92. Go east 8 miles to Granite Falls.

At the end of town, turn left on the Mountain Loop Highway and go 31 miles to Barlow Pass. From Barlow Pass, you have 3 options to travel the 4 miles to the Monte Cristo trailhead.

Under normal conditions, you can walk, or rent a key from Snohomish County Public Works that will open the gate that allows you to drive the 4 miles. But our choice for the most exciting way to get there is by mountain bike.