Summer isn't complete without accompanying my sister to check off yet another hike from the 100 Classic Hikes in Washington book. This time we hiked to Silver Lake which was an extension off the better known trail to the abandoned mining town of Monte Cristo. The first part of the hike was a mostly flat walk along the old road to the town. The town's mining operations ran from 1895 to 1920. Later it was off and on as a resort until 1980 when floods wiped out the bridges and road. Now there is very little evidence of the town or resort. The rail tracks are gone and it's difficult to imagine there being any type of road for a car to drive on. All that seemed to remain was a field with a rusted train turn table and a few cabins that possibly existed during the resort era.

After the town the trail got steeper and more rugged. We were in the forest most of the time and it didn't open up until we reached Silver Lake. It was a pretty and isolated lake fed by streams by the adjacent Silvertip Peak.

Monte Cristo Entrance

Turn Table Remains

Monte Cristo View

Silvertip Peak

Silver Lake

Silver Lake Flower

Silver Lake

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August 21, 2022