P. O. Box 471
Everett, Washington 98206
klasstwin@gmail.com
In September 1893, the Everett & Monte Cristo Railway began
service between the mines here and the new smelter in north
Everett. As level space was severely limited, the railway's
locomotives switched their cars onto sidings and then were
rotated on the turntable for their trip back down the valley.
It still works!
Visiting the Town Site
Monte Cristo is a good place to visit all year round. The best time of year to hike into Monte Cristo is late June thru September. The walk from the county gate at Barlow Pass to the site where the town used to be is just over 4 miles. It is mostly an easy walk with a extremely dangerous river crossing,numerous washouts of the roadway and gaining only a few hundred feet of elevation. The Forest Service has provided parking at Barlow Pass, and it is from there that members can shuttle in their friends. The agreement negotiated regarding the gate and road is vital for our access, so let’s respect it and keep our good standing with Snohomish County.
From the county gate at Barlow Pass, Twin Bridges is about 1 mile in—camping
and fishing are good here. The bridge closest to the clay slide, built by
the MCPA in 1997, includes steel I-beams acquired by MCPA from the old West
Seattle Freeway Bridge. More campsites can be found two and three miles in.
It is NOT currently possible to drive to the town site from the gate beyond the clay slide area.
If you get stuck, you get yourself out or you don’t get out. All
MCPA members sign a waiver of liability to obtain a key for the gate. Outside
the gate is parking for approximately 100 cars. We do not recommend parking
outside the gate overnight, as vandalism is high and law enforcement is limited.
Parking (for members only) is available inside the gate in a few turnoffs by the road and at other campsites. Some property
between Barlow Pass and Monte Cristo is private, so please be courteous if
parking anywhere along the road.
Highway Map to Monte Cristo
All cars parked outside the gate are now required by the Forest Service to display, a Northwest Forest Pass. All cars parked inside the gate are exempt. Parking passes, needed to park outside the gate (for friends and relatives who do not have access to the road beyond the county gate at Barlow Pass), are sold at participating National Forest offices and visitor centers, local community vendors and businesses. Please call them for updated prices of passes. Individuals who have a Golden Age or Golden Access passport will be able to buy a Northwest Forest Pass for half price. Bicycles are not allowed past the town site. Camping and fires are strictly prohibited in the town site area.
During most winter months, the road is only plowed to within 8 miles of Barlow Pass and to within 12 miles of Monte Cristo. A snowmobile is the easiest method of transportation. The hearty can make a nice cross country ski trip, but plan to camp out overnight in the snow, as it can sometimes take all day to trek one way. Please remember that the area leading into and around Monte Cristo is located in rugged, unimproved terrain. Those planning a visit should be in good physical condition and prepared for the rigors and hazards of the trip. Snohomish County, the Forest Service, and the Monte Cristo Preservation Association cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained by visitors to the area. Please be courteous to hikers and those on bicycles if driving in. Drive slowly to minimize wear on the road, and exchange friendly smiles with other visitors. We want to create a very positive impression of MCPA.