On the Mountain Loop Highway (HWY 92), outside Granite Falls you can find the ghost town of Monte Cristo. Back in the day, Monte Cristo was a booming hub during the late 1800s because of rich mineral deposits. The mining town grew with the help of a railroad and financers like John D. Rockefeller. Once the mining operation slowed the town was slowly abandoned and now the stamping mills, power generator, an old garage and what is left of the Monte Cristo hotel.
The Monte Cristo ghost town is not haunted, as far as I know, and has only one tombstone, that of James E. Kyes. Kyes was a military officer that lived in the remains of the old hotel during the 1920’s before attending the University of Washington and joining the Naval Academy at Annapolis. When residing in the hotel he planted a Alpine Fir Tree in the middle of ruins, I do not know the reason, which still stands today and is surrounded by picketed fence memorializing Kyes’ courage as military commander on the U.S.S. Leary.
These days Monte Cristo is busy area for campers, hikers, fishermen and sledders. From the Mountain Loop Highway, visitors can park on the side of the highway and hike the 4 mile trail that leads to the old town and see the remains of early Snohomish County history, and possibly even get a little scare, happy Halloween.
Monte Cristo: Hiking Information
4 responses so far ↓
Mike Stanger // Oct 9, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Cool information; thanks! I’d love to see more like this.
Toby Barnett // Oct 9, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Glad you enjoyed it Mike; I will have similar post tomorrow.
Cool houses // Nov 15, 2007 at 12:14 am
Interesting place for tourists to visit)
Toby Barnett // Nov 15, 2007 at 10:33 am
Definitely a point of interest for tourists. Many people go up there to sled and just play in the snow as the Mountain Loop Highway closes every year at Monte Cristo. But remember to dress appropriately, have chains, pack an over night “just in case” bag and drive safely. The roads are windy and accidents can easily happen.
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