One of the first reasons for the development of the Mountain Loop Highway was the mining town named Monte Cristo. Monte Cristo was founded in 1889 and was completely abandoned, becoming a ghost town in 1907. The land was preserved and protected by Henry M. Jackson, the was governor of the state. Now there is a preserved area called the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.

A full history of the creation and eventual demise of the Monte Cristo mining town, as well as the development of the railroad, can be found at the following link:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/old_west/74245/1

The Mountain Loop Highway is now home to many popular cascade hikes and climbs. Not all of them are listed on Summit Post yet. There is no doubt that the scenic beauty of the Mountain Loop Highway Peaks far exceeds that of the I-90 corridor Peaks. There is more diversity in wildlife and foliage and summit blocks are generally more rugged and exposed. The Mountain Loop Highway is a well kept secret among the locals of Washington State. With the exception of Mount Pilchuck, trails are seldom crowded and tranquil isolation is the norm.

Getting There via the South End of the Highway

Getting there from Seattle: Drive north on I-5 and exit to highway 2, once you cross the long bridge across Snohomish, take a left and once you stop in front of a Safeway store, take a left onto highway 9 which takes you through Lake Stevens. After about half a mile or so of highway 9 take a right to enter highway 92 to Granite Falls. Once you get to Granite Falls take a left onto the Mountain Loop highway (Highway 92). Drive until you get to Verlot, you can stop by the rangers station to get a northwest forest pass which is required to park your car at most trailheads. The road has been washed out for four years between the Mount Pugh trailhead and Bedal Creek. Recently road construction and repairs were completed.

Del Campo Peak Summit View

Getting There via the North End of the Highway

To get to the Mountain Loop Highway from the North, take I-5 sSouth until you reach Arlington and take exit 208 onto highway 530 East. Soon 530 will intersect with Highway 9. Continue to follow signs for 530 and Darrington. From Darrington, take a right at the T onto the Mountain loop highway. During the winter, the highway closes with the first heavy snow (usually November) and doesn't reopen again until March.

Camping

Vesper Lake is an excellent place to camp, as is Stillaguamish Ridge, Gothic Basin, and the lookout hut on Three Fingers. We will not name all the wonderful spots here. Go find them yourself. Remember to go during summer or early fall, unless you feel like climbing up steep snow which is not recommended for beginner hikers. If you do not like mosquitoes I might recommend somewhere else, or bring bug spray.

Current Conditions

The forest service website has the best and most frequently updated current conditions, in addition to the mileage and elevation gain on most of the hikes in the area.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/conditions/print-conditions-report.php?rpt=trails-mtn-loop

Thanks

A special thanks goes to Josh Lewis whose idea it was the create this page but is no longer a member of SP. We'll miss you Josh.

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