Weden Creek (Gothic Basin)

Mountain Loop Hwy near Monte Cristo at Barlow Pass. The river has made a channel change and so we will help the Forest Service get this trail restored by completing a re-route. We'll work on cleaning up the tread and brushing the trail corridor. A one-mile walk from the Pass to the trailhead, and a short walk to the worksite from there.

An old trail that has a history with the Northwest Mining Company as a former route on the Monte Cristo Railroad line. It is in "rude" condition, eroded and steep. However, as it is, it is in a remarkable condition of self-preservation. Elevation gain: 2600 feet. Hiking time: 11 hours. Hikable: late July-early October, day or overniter (good campsites scattered through basin).

Driving directions:
From Seattle drive north on I-5 to Everett and take exit 194 onto US 2. Drive 2 miles east on US 2 to Highway 204, which exits to the left (north). Follow Highway 204 to Highway 9. Turn left (north) on Highway 9 and follow it just past Lake Stevens to Highway 92. Turn right and follow Highway 92 eight miles to Granite Falls. At the end of town, turn left (north) on the Mountain Loop Highway. From the Verlot Information Station continue another 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass, at 2360 feet. Park here at the gate for the Monte Cristo Raod and we'll walk the remaining mile to the trailhead, just before the Sauk River crossing. (Driving time from Seattle: approximately 2 hours.)