Hike of the Week: Glacier Basin

Brilliant wildflowers help soften a rugged backdrop in Glacier Basin

Glacier Basin

A minefield of wild beauty above Monte Cristo

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 12.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,050 feet
Green Trails Maps: Sloan Peak, WA- No. 111, Monte Cristo, WA- No. 143
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Note: Northwest Forest Pass required.
Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 31 miles to Barlow Pass. Hike begins by walking up gated Monte Cristo Road.


Start by following the closed-to-vehicles road to the mining—turned ghost town of Monte Cristo. At 1.0 mile the South Fork of the Sauk River must be forded or search for a log crossing. Safe in low water, avoid the ford during periods of heavy rain and snow melt. Continue another 3.0 miles enjoying excellent river and mountain viewing along the way. After passing a campground, cross the river on a foot bridge and enter the site and remains of the once booming town. At the edge of a grassy flat (once the rail yard) locate the trailhead for Glacier Basin. Cross 76 Creek on a good bridge and head up what was once Dumas Street, the commercial artery of Monte Cristo. Pass where hotels, brothels, a mercantile, and residences once stood.
Come to four-way junction continuing straight on old roadway through dark thick forest. Daylight returns soon enough thanks to the work of hundreds of past avalanches. Up an increasingly tighter and wilder valley continue hiking on what is now a downright nasty section of trail. Heading straight up a worn-to-bedrock gully, this is one tough stretch of trail.
Take a break at a ledge at a waterfall’s edge before resuming toil. Thankfully the grade turns gentle once more as the peaks flanking Glacier Basin come into view. Beside you Glacier Creek crashes through rock and snow.
If the creek allows, continue alongside it on grassy bottomlands. If flooded however, pick your way though talus on the original miner’s road located just to the left of a huge tailings pile. A small cascade marks the entrance to Glacier Basin (el. 4,400-ft), a wide expanse of boulder, moraine, snowfields, bubbling creeks, and wildflowers beneath a cluster of jagged ice-adorned peaks.
Now wander the basin taking care not to step on fragile vegetation. You’ve worked too hard to get to this rugged area not to savor its beauty. Sit back and enjoy!



For information on lodging and other attractions near Glacier Basin visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County