Exploring the Ghost Town of Monte Cristo Washington. An Abandoned Historic Gold Boom Town

[@ihatedietcola7920]

This is one of my favorite hikes.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It's a great hike and place to explore, no doubt.

[@dewuknowofHyMn]

I was 10 one of the times I came w/my family as a kid in 1960s, the INN was still there and most of the buildings, that pic of it and cars is how I remember it ....😉💖😁 All pics i remember.....

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

We would have loved to see it then. Appreciate your comments and thanks for watching.

[@bobwarner9952]

As a teenager, in the early 70s, 2 of my friends and myself would camp out in this area several times. Explored the mines and would hike up the mountains lakes in the area. Brings back great memories .

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@SusanCote-n7z]

My first date was hiking up there in 1974. Too scared to go very far into the mine but married the guy😅

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

@@SusanCote-n7z Very cool!

[@denickite]

I hiked there earlier around 1965 or so. There was some equipment left at that time. Thank you for showing me a place of my youth!

[@EugeneKelly-gc4ki]

Me too

[@Ayaois]

Completed this hike for the first time last August. It is absolutely beautiful, and I love seeing more historical context. Plan to do it again this year.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It's a great place very special us. We appreciate your comments and thank you for watching.

[@iro6758]

Hey, ya do it again yet lol

[@tonyf.8858]

No more road to the townsite??? Wow. The last time I was there, there was a paved road that came to an abrupt end and continued in gravel. If you weren't paying attention you could find yourself on that gravel road doing 50 mph. The gravel road was in perfect shape and you could go about 30 mph on it safely. There were a number of buildings at the townsite that I didn't see in the video and I'm pretty sure there was some kind of business that had something to do with rentals, I think. This was at the very end, where you could look up at a tall mountain peek. The trail head started at this parking area and the trail would lead you to a number of mines that you could enter and explore, although I didn't. Claustrophobic. Too bad about the road situation. This was in the early 1960's. Great video, although I'm saddened that I'll never get to go back. I'm 94 now.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Appreciate you sharing your memories of the site. Yes, a lot has dramatically changed over the years. Thank you very much for watching and commenting.

[@gregpendrey6711]

I hope to have my time and it might take living to at least 94 to shake my detractors. I'm 61. My blessings as an atheist and of earth.

[@gregpendrey6711]

Thank you Tony. Sending peace your way.

[@EngineerSaysWhat]

I grew up visiting Monte Cristo with my Dad back in the late 70's early 80's. I remember the General Store before it burned. I returned in 2010 and camped for 3 nights. We visited at least 5 or 6 of the old mines including going up to and over the Mystery Mine complex. Thanks for putting this video together. It really brings back fond memories! If people are interested, there is a wonderful book by Elof Norman about growing up in Monte Cristo called "The Coffee Chased Us Up".

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Great memories. Thanks for sharing. We appreciate it.

[@tl9819]

Thanks for sparing me the agony of the long hike!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Your welcome thanks for the comments and watching.

[@WalkingTheCats]

Went there a few times as a kid while attending Camp Silverton in the summers in the mid-60's. It was through school in the Snohomish School District. We drove up in what we called 'crummies', old panel vans, with the kids crammed-in on the floor in the back. Nasty ride on the dusty dirt road. I remember a commercial building (museum?) that had tourist attractions outside, one of which was a wood box on a stand with a sign that read, 'baby rattlers'. It had a wire grid over the top of the open box. Inside was exactly that, baby rattles like you'd give to a toddler. 60 years later I can still see that image in my head! I was disappointed but appreciated the humor. We hiked up to a number of mines each summer. Seems like one was named Victory, another Mystery, and a third the Monte Cristo. Also did 'Big Four' where we hiked to a glacial cavern and found fossils in the area. I recall being taught that the ore-processing buildings were called 'concentrators'. I still refer to them as that today. Thanks for the tour!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Appreciate you sharing your memories of Monte.

[@wadedavies3924]

Thanks for posting this. The Darrington loop into the Cascades is dense with scenic hikes with fascinating back stories. Mostly about the Rockefeller's extraction of minerals and subsequent forestry harvest when the easy pickings ran out. I spent a lot of time exploring with my kids in the late nineties and early 2000's with many fond memories. It is remarkable how quickly nature takes back and heals the imposition of civilization.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It's a great area with a great history. Appreciate your comments and thank you.

[@dadskrej5226]

My wife, 2 sons and I snowmobiled into Monte Christo in a winter of mid-90s, spent a (cold) night in one of the cabins. I made reservations with a man who was spending the winter there ahead of time. The bridges were gone and we had to ford the river to get in there. The snow was deep, so we weren't able to appreciate any of the memorabilia there. It was fun and was a grand experience!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

That sounds that quite the adventure. Appreciate you commenting.

[@louisevad6091]

The Coffee Woke Us Up is a great book to read. It is about a boy living in Monte Christo during the boom years

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes it is.

[@davidbranch2020]

The Coffee Chased Us Up by Elof Norman

[@gregpendrey6711]

Cle had become a place in the time after the mines closed. I remember exploring on trailbikes and horses the Plum Creek area. It is a not connected adjacent area. Ask me..

[@CelebrateEverything]

I have a happy memory of visiting there as a child in the 70's. Thank you so much for this very informational video!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you. It is very much appreciated!

[@TotallyFlashy]

Thanks for providing so much historical context! I love this hike for all the interesting places along the way. So many great places to go from the trails up in this area.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It is a great area with so much history. Thank you for watching and your comments. We appreciate you!

[@Gizathecat2]

My husband and I hiked up there not long after we moved to Snohomish County in 2001. We enjoyed our intro to Snohomish County.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Great area and county lots of history lots to see. Appreciate your comments.

[@pamjacobson6236]

Thank you so much for taking us on your hike to Monte Cristo! I went up there with my parents when I was a kid. I’m 69 now. It really made an impact on me, even though most of the buildings were gone. There was still some structures, and I remember picking up a piece of glass. Anyway, I know that I would never go back up there again, especially now, when you can’t drive there so I really appreciate you taking us with you!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Very kind of you to say. We are glad we could share Monte with you. Thank you for watching, and very much appreciate your comments.

[@gregrobertson2726]

Loved most of my life in the region. Thought of going there many times but… 72 yoa now and not likely making the long hike (I go nowhere without my dog and she’s a liability in the wild). So thanks for bringing it to me. Excellent work incidentally!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Appreciate your comments very much. Glad we were able to share this with you.

[@normanmallory2055]

In the mid 70’s was my first trip into the site and over the years I made a few more trips ! Good video and good coverage!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you. Appreciate your comments.

[@sidetrack218]

I did my last hike to Monte Christo 5 years ago but probably won't again. Being a life long resident of the area I have been doing this hike since the 70's when you could actually drive there. Sadly every year there is less and less remaining. Part of it is just time taking it's toll but sadly a lot is damage done by disrespectful visitors, vandals and arsonists. Like so many things in life, the best resides only in your memories of the way it once was.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It is unfortunate how areas change and are abused.We feel the same way about many locations.We appreciate you sharing your memories of Monte Cristo and your comments.

[@groovyroses]

I remember my parents and I would drive into town back in 1970's and checked out the town and storefront and even tried some panning for gold. Then we did it again and took some friends of ours and we started hiking one of the trails from the town to one of the mines on a hill. Years later, we went back to Monte Christo but never made it to the town but we did enjoy our picnic by the river where you were crossing across the tree. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching. We appreciate it.

[@davidpattullo4881]

Wow I visited Monte Cristo around 1978-79 when you could drive there. I believe the preservation society was just being forming. If I remember correctly, we paid a $5 donation for the tour, our guide had tons of interesting historical facts to share. Thanks for taking us there, a walk down memory lane for me! I recognize some of the sights and rest are distorted memories.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

We have been going for about 12 years now, and the area is constantly changing. Glad we were able to share it with you. Thank you for the comments and watching.

[@johnwinden8511]

Thanks for the tour. My wife and I went up there (walked the road was gated) many years ago. At that time there were still people living there. I remember hearing that pelton wheel in the power house howling before we even got to it. You were able to peak inside and see the workings at that time. We went back several years ago, prior to remediation. At that time the powerhouse was no longer operating and no one was there. Quite a few changes, and if we were to go back now even more has changed. Sad

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for watching and sharing your memories!!

[@misstbikini]

Lots of changes in crowds because of this software on her phones and watches, even the most novice of hiker can get around now that’s when I seen the boom of crowds on our trails. What a beautiful video.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

That is very true and valid.Many areas, otherwise, forgotten or unknown areas, have seen increased activity and, in some cases, problems. Appreciate you watching and your comments. Thanks!

[@penscruffy60]

Love the episode. Thx for pics that brought the town to life 👍

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you. We appreciate your comments.

[@danhilton2461]

First timers, live in Muskegon Michigan. Really enjoy these types of exploring videos, please keep them coming

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you very much. We very much appreciate having you along on our adventures!!

[@intoxicatedwithfear8363]

I love this place and have ya ever had a Monti Cristo sandwich...so good...salutations to you and yours

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

We have absolutely agree. Thanks for the comments and watching appreciate it.

[@jamesbarden2900]

Thanks for the Great Video. Well done!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for watching and the comment. Appreciate it!

[@jamessutherland1911]

Awesome video really cool local history i enjoy this thanks.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you. we appreciate that.

[@tomgray3804]

It's understandable why you cut, or speed through you walking through areas you deem "ordinary". But as a hiker in the east part of the country it is neat to watch you walk through those areas because the plants and trees look different. I am sure the trees are a similar species, but they still look vastly different. Lots of ferns also that we don't have. Cool video.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It is tough as you will get the exact opposite point of view a lot of the time so we try to find something that works for everyone but given the subject matter of the video is about history, we try to get to the highlights. Very much appreciate the feedback, and thank you for watching.

[@DougAllen-jd4mt]

In the early 70s as a young teen I was there on part of a camping trip! We drove up there quite aways and I remember seeing some structure of some sort kinda close to a mining site. It was very cool and I still love this kind of thing! I grew up in the upper skagit valley in a town called concrete just one valley north of Darington wa. I love the area and glacier peak!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Very cool, we know Concrete well. It's been several years since we have been in that area. Appreciate the comments.

[@leannetwigg1777]

In the 60's my brother and I attended a camp (Camp Silverton) through the Everett School System, and we were exposed to all the rich history of this area. We did many a hike through all this area!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Veey cool would have loved to see it back then. Thank you for the comments.

[@thenajer911]

Hiked up there back in the day. Was super cool also exploring the abandoned mines is great.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It is a great area. Thanks for the comments.

[@kelliegodfrey2428]

Whoa. Im 51 and a lifelong Washington resident. I havnt been to monte cristo since the 80s when dad used to take us hiking. It looks completely different!! When i was there the buildings were not painted red, and you could go inside them. Was so cool, and before the time of people disrespecting out legendary forests. Great video. Not willing to take a 10 mile hike anymore 😂 Can you do a video of hurricane ridge next? Also wont do a 3 day hike 😂😂

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks for the comments. The area has changed a lot over the years. We can see what we can do on your request. Appreciate you watching.

[@kelliegodfrey2428]

@ghosttownsandminesofwashington Thanks for the reply. It was late and I realized this morning as I was sharing the video w my husband that your primary content is old mines. So sorry about the suggestion!! Instead i will scope your channel for the old opal mines in the cle elum area! One of the coolest areas in Washington in my opinion :)

[@MadelineRose-ep7fj]

Thank you for sharing a part of WA's mining history.😊

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you. Appreciate you watching and your comment.

[@BrothersFreedive]

Hey I have used your website for a few years especially exploring the carbon valley. I didn’t realize you had a KZbin channel! Subbed!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks for subscribing appreciate it.

[@kunya16]

I went here a few years ago and hope to go again this year. We missed so much! We didn't see even half of what you showed. Will take more time next time we go.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for the comments. Hopefully, the video helped to make your next visit even better.

[@williamh3823]

Our neighbor who wrote a book on MonteCristo possed a facination with the area..about 10 of my friends from WestSeattle 1968-1975 all made the trek..PhilWoodhouse has an amazing extensive collection of slides over 20,000 which are library quality and should be made available for public access..i believe he's the only person to enter every mine that wasnt collapsed or blown shut..even the cable car trams were in place in many of his slides...any 9yr old is memorized by the beauty and intrigue of hi alpine dramtic mountain peaks..i bet he's in his 90s now

[@williamh3823]

Ore cars suspended over 1000s of feet for gold and miners to traverse the inclines of steep terrain

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

We knew Phil, unfortunately , passed away several years ago. The legacy he left of Monte Cristo history is a treasure. We appreciate you sharing that.

[@williamh3823]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington were Phil's extensive slides and fotos preserved?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

@@williamh3823 Yes I believe they were I am not sure who is in possession of them now.

Excellent tour.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you appreciate you watching and the comment.

[@kennyschellhase1626]

I can't believe there is no graffiti there that is awesome I'm so glad that people have enough respect for the area to not vandalize it very cool! I loved your tour good job!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Appreciate your comments and thank you very much for watching!

[@gregpendrey6711]

No one steals there either.

[@Kevenruf]

My brother and I used to hike in there, and sometimes went with our cascade high school teacher, Dave Cameron.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Dave is a great guy. Appreciate the comments.

[@markpatterson5250]

My parents sent me to Camp Silverton in 1956 when I was 11 years old. It cost them the astronomical amount of $8.00 for the week (including transportation to and from Edmonds). Of the many side trips we took, I still remember going to the town of Monte Cristo. I've got news for you folks........that place has CHANGED in 68 years!!......surprise,surprise....lol

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for the comments.

[@garynordby7040]

Back in the 1960s I can remember driving up to the town there were some evidence of buildings then a few still standing . Looks like you can't do that any more it was a favorite picnic get away drive . Seeing this brings back memories 😂

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

That would have been great to see. Glad we could share some memories and thanks.

[@nellosnook4454]

New subscriber! 👍 (Mount Vernon)

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Welcome, we appreciate you subscribing. Thanks!

[@jennifers6435]

We approached from north bend…first to Gold Myre (another sure of spelling) hot spring…then a hike to the ghost town..in the 50’s

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@MollyMiaow]

My father used to take the railroad from Everett to Monte Cristo and go for a hike and then take the railroad home. A historical note... when the engineers from back east built, the first railroad locals told them that the river would wash it away in the spring, but they didn't believe that the river could get that high. Sure enough. The river washed away the railroad.😅

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks for sharing your memories. Yes, you are 100% correct on that historical note. We appreciate your comments.

[@michaelsaulsman6977]

Highly reccomend Phillip Whoodhouse's book Monte Cristo

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It's a good one for sure.

[@michaelsaulsman6977]

@ghosttownsandminesofwashington grew up near Phil and he taught all the neighbirhood kids who were interested about Monte Cristo. Spent many days with him at U of W library looking through old articles. As well as trips to The Monte Cristo Area. Dug out tram wheels, buckets and ventured into several of the mines

[@jennifers6435]

When I went there in the late 50’s and 60s, the river was running fast..and there were huge old growth trees.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Sounds like good times. Thanks for the comments.

[@roberteddy2369]

Last time, I was there you could drive tall the way up. Then the bridges washed out. That was in the late 70's.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes, that would have been a great time period to see this location. We appreciate your comments.

[@DavidSummers-l7g]

I've seen many videos of abandoned town's and I am glad to see no graffiti. All the buildings intact and painted very nice place. Congrats to the people who maintain the area.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes, the area is well maintained by the Monte Cristo Preservation Association.

[@Young_Revolutionary]

Ive had some kind of creature stalk me out of here around 2021. My dog was scared shitless. Went hiking, explored the little town, toward the end started feeling like I was being watched and felt weird, my dog kept looking off in the distance and started staying closer to me than usual. Thought nothing of it, started heading back to the trailhead to get to my vehicle. As I'm halfway back to the vehicle it's getting real dark at this point and I hear something up the hill stalking us parallel, my dog kept looking up and looking scared. I had this super weird feeling if I didn't make it back by the time it was complete utter darkness, I wasn't going to make it home. The entire time I swear I could smell something rotten, death or something. Something foul as fuck.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

That sounds like a very interesting experience, for sure.

[@Young_Revolutionary]

@ghosttownsandminesofwashington I thought it was a cougar but the more I look back, it was really odd behavior for a cougar, they really try to avoid people

[@Young_Revolutionary]

@ghosttownsandminesofwashington my doggo was in the bed of the truck and barking at the woods when we drove off

[@xspaceghostxx]

That's a pretty cool hike! I made that hike with my girlfriend and our daughter some time back. There were a few washouts on the old roadway but it was a good walk. Hard to believe that you were able to literally drive to within a few feet of the town site. Lol would have saved hours of the day if you could still drive it. If you like mining history it's definitely eorth the hike. The buildings are well deteriorated which is unfortunate but is still vool to see the extremes them old fools went to for some ore

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes, it would be nice to be able to drive closer. Appreciate the comments. Thanks.

[@jasonbabila6006]

I’m really interested with the railway right of way along the river when the NP encased the railroad ties in concrete to keep the track from washing away from the floods.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes, very interesting stuff for sure. Do not have a whole lot of information on that.

[@triple_A_rockhound]

Monte Cristo sure has interesting history

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It most certainly does.

[@triple_A_rockhound]

I can see y theres so many gold claims @@ghosttownsandminesofwashington

[@markpatterson5250]

Back in the heyday of mining at Monte Cristo, a man by the name of Fredrick Trump ran the hotel, which also had some full time "ladies of the night" working there. Fredrick moved on after that and eventually had a family, which produced his grandson Donald back "east someplace".

[@MrMscotth]

We went there 20 years ago. It was cool then. I'd like to see it now but I'm a bit afraid of parking at the trailhead. Ugh...

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yeah, it can be a concern, but from our experience. It hasn't been too bad.

[@seattlebeard]

One of the coldest places in western Washington. When the sun sets behind the mountains the temp drops fast. Bring more clothes than you think you'll need.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for the comments.

[@solarmax0072]

as kids we used to camp at camp silverton, just down stream.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@hikeaphoto746]

I have been over trails and to lakes. I was very upset no bicycles were not allowed anymore. Last chance back after lots of enjoyment.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Interestingly, we have not heard of any restrictions on bikes and regularly see bikes and electronic bikes. We visit the area a couple of times a year. Appreciate the comments.

[@kenmcclow8963]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashingtonI thought they built a road for the superfund cleanup to remove the arsenic, but I haven’t looked for it. I thought about riding my e-bike in there but I stopped at the landslide before the log crossing because that bike was more than 70 pounds. That was before the log broke and all that debris piled up on it. I previously hiked in 2014 when the path was still right next to the exposed rails, so it’s cool to see the changes in the last decade

[@christinewatson1989]

Google maps does not provide driving directions to get here- where did you park your car and start hiking from?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

From the Verlot ranger station(11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA), travel east on the Mt. Loop Highway. 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass. Park here and proceed on foot past the gate on the Monte Cristo Road.

[@bretthawton]

I see a lot of cars in old picture of the Monte Cristo Lodge- How did they get there?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

The bridges and road were drivable up until the early 2000s.

[@jaymorgan4475]

Very informative thank you

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you appreciate it.

[@joshuasjericho3915]

France 🇫🇷 The Count of Monte Cristo 🤣! Great job! I was expecting more of s town so disappointed that it's mostly just signs where buildings use to be! So if anyone else is excepting a "town" it's no longer there folks 😕! #montecristo #USA 🇺🇸 #Washington state

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes, unfortunately, there is not much left outside of the mines and mill site. Appreciate your comment.

[@enndee989]

Worse than deceptive advertising, they sell some notion of what used to be, better go sell your soul or other phantom parts of some unsuspecting person or thing. But nobody cares, people like to be fooled, so whatever does the job, and it's always shiny bells and whistles, not anything in natural colors, creativity and design. Destruction is what you get with all that public money going where conservatives want to see it - bells and whistles, fancy accomodations, air conditioning and customer service that makes them right at home in the parks financed by their taxpayer money. And the tourists that flock to these unholy sites just quicken the destruction, a continuation of that self-destructive gold rush. So that's your history, and its moral - all a sick, evil lie, big fat nothing, "everything is vanity and vanity of vanities " as your pastor calls you.

[@rrice1705]

Believe it or not, the town was named for the semi-fictionalized version of Monte Cristo that appears in Alexandre Dumas' novel!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

@@rrice1705 Thanks for sharing that.

[@KELLERSUPPLYLYNNWOOD]

ahh, my beautiful backyard stomping grounds of the Mountain Loop Highway.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks for the comments.

[@solarmax0072]

Wasn't there a nearby Big 4 Hotel, also now burned down?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes

[@Trad-Am]

Last time I was up there, was 2003-2004 probably, and it looks a lot different

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

The area has definitely changed and continues to change. Thanks for watching and the comments.

[@tl9819]

Did the monte cristo sandwich originate at the lodge?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

No believe it originated in France.

[@meganboileau6202]

I did this hike with a group of friends post divorce in 2022 and it was my very first hike ever in my life. We had a great day and was tired at the end of the day but so worth it. I would do it again!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It's a great area. You will always discover something new if you take the time to look. Thanks for watching.

[@tarapaul8212]

I have a relative who was an early settler there. His name was Boone Hawthorne.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for the comment.

[@TR-on9tx]

Late fifties myself and another friend were hired to do assessment work on claims further up the mountain..lots of hiking.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

That would have been an amazing era to see it. Thanks for the comments.

[@grog0cean]

I can’t find directions to the town. Where would I find that?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

maps.app.goo.gl/QrWqmm5vYoV8iZVi7

[@grog0cean]

@ thanks!!

[@grog0cean]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington love your channel btw

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

@@grog0cean Appreciate that!

[@Charlie18tc]

I was up there in the early 70s when many of the buildings were still standing

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Would have loved to see that. Thanks for the comments.

[@donnieanderson2009]

What a privilege it is to live in such a beautiful state. Definitely God's country

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It is indeed. Thank you!

[@arisaka9963]

State is pretty. Politicians are terrible.

[@carrieann1640]

Been out there a number of times some decades ago. Once found a group of younger folks who had a made pile of 'souvenirs' to take out with them. It was not to be.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks. Appreciate the comments.

[@_Fritz_]

I was up here last summer with a summer camp, got a nasty ear infection and had to hike down in crocs

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

That is unfortunate. That doesn't sound pleasant.

[@Lonebuild]

I've been there!!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@philosopher2king]

5:56 that’s where the singer Beck, originally from Olympia, Washington, got the idea for the song Two Turntables and a Microphone. Actually, I just made that up. I really have to stop watching KZbin while I’m high.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

🤣🤣🤣

[@philosopher2king]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington Subscribed!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

@@philosopher2king Thank you appreciate that!

[@stevewoods293]

Nice

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks

[@davyjoneslocker4841]

A+

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thanks. Appreciate the comment.

[@bretthuckaby9745]

What was the population of this town?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

At its peak in the 1890's about 2000.

[@Enonymouse_]

Havent visited since i was a kid (long ago now).

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It has no doubt changed tremendously. Thanks for the comments.

[@perrycnn]

Disney gave a copyright notice to someone playing an Indiana Jones videogame. The strike was from the use of the IJ font in their thumbnails, just a heads up.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Interesting this style and color scheme font is available through a well-known and widely respected video editing youtube focused software company.

[@AllinAllisAllweAllare]

It all looks like there was never a town there. The area is completely taken back by nature

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Very true!!!

[@123Goldhunter11]

I guess higher ups have decided not to keep up roads making it very difficult to reach places you used to be able to drive to. There are two beautiful high mountain lakes/Twin Lakes on a trail right out of Monte Cristo. It's a bit of a climb and about 5 miles. But now with the road allowed to deteriorate, it's a 10 mile hike - more than a lot of people want to do.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Yes, it is a very complicated area when it comes to access, jurisdiction, etc, but a great area nonetheless. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@solarmax0072]

the nearby hike up to Lake 22 is a wonderful exploration as well.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@kennethhummel4409]

What’s in the Keys memorial?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_E._KYES,_CDR,_USN

[@Davidbirdman101]

I see these little towns all the time where I live. I'm 68, I grew up in a small town in Mississippi. You could literally leave your door unlocked. I didn't even have a house key when I was going to elementary school. I walked 5 blocks to school, it was a ten minute walk to the Carnegie library. I went by myself at 6 years old. You can't do that anymore. I still live in the same town but it has changed forever. Ten people have been murdered here since January. Ten. Dead. The worst thing is, it's normal now. Nobody cares. Small towns in a small world. I remember back in the 60s we thought progress would make the world a better place. No. Progress is killing us.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

A bygone time. Thanks for watching and comments.

[@patricktracy1966]

A pungent road? Roads smelled different back then.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Puncheon or plank road

[@johnschuler4816]

It's funny I have been up there a half dozen times or so and have never seen another soul. A few times I haven't even come across anyone the entire hike out or back -- THAT is a little creepy.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

It's very odd and hit-and-miss.Sometimes you go, and you see nobody other times you go and wish you would see nobody🤣🤣. Appreciate the comments.

[@johnschuler4816]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington OK here's one for you -- I was walking out once and happened to stop along a spot on the river where it's to the left of the trail, and was looking out across the water when I was startled to see a man standing on the other side of it, long hair, beard, tattered clothes. We just stared at each other for a few seconds and all my hair stood up. Finally I was like "ok this is weird" and I raised my hand to wave. He waved back. I have had a few really weird moments out on the trail but that was definitely one of the weirdest. He didn't seem lost or in trouble... but what the hell?

[@jasonking6510]

Can you bring a metal detector up there? I’m sure you can find some interesting treasures

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Short answer no. Its Forest Service and some areas are designated wilderness.

[@jasonking6510]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington bummer just think of the old coins you could possibly find up there.

[@jasonking6510]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington thank you for the cool history lesson I live in the area and Monte Cristo’s always been captivating my attention.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

@jasonking6510 Thank you appreciate your comments.

[@erberIsSillyhawk]

i went out here a couple years ago had no idea there were mines.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Quite a few in the area.

[@jeffkyle6207]

Has anyone ever found the graveyard?

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

There was not one at Monte Cristo.

[@gregsmith7428]

When I was a kid in the 60's the family went to Monte Cristo. There was plenty to see and you could drive right up. Leave it to the moronic forest misservice to let the access road ruin and not repair the buildings that have fallen apart. I'm now 74 and disabled and can no longer hike that obstacle course of a trail that goes to the site. Back in the day it was a fun place for families, but now a POS!

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Thank you for your comments.

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Can you imagine being the guy that had to spin that turntable, with a locomotive on it, back in the day? Talk about one strong son of a bitch.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

No doubt... Thanks for the comment.

[@joshuabrooks4907]

@@ghosttownsandminesofwashington you're welcome. Thanks for the video.

[@ronnierabell1]

Lol i thought monte cristo was about cuban cigars or a cuban sandwich. Monte cristo is spanish for "mount crystal"

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

Suppose it can be those things too LO.L.

[@louisevad6091]

Be aware of arsenic in the water

[@louisevad6091]

It was a hard rock gold mine. The arsenic by product from the crusher pretty muck killed the streams. When they realized the poisons value it ended up in Tacoma at Arsarco .

[@louisevad6091]

The rail way would wash out annually

[@louisevad6091]

I was there in 1970

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@AlHanson-t9q]

Fredrick Trump

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@tinadelwiche416]

I bet that area is haunted

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

You never know.

[@LanceHayabusa]

trumpers: "Frederick Trump, grandfather of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was also active in the town; he operated a boom-town hotel and alleged brothel."

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

👍

[@Dan-q4h]

Donald Trump's grandfather lived in Monte Cristo.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

He owned property and establishments.

[@williamh3823]

Bordello and store i read..great uncle of President Trump

[@ronnierabell1]

Wow that's interesting

[@cme98]

So where in Monte Cristo is the first Trump Hotel? Having Presidential ties to this ghost town raises its prominence, especially such a star studded President such as Donald Trump whose grandfather started his fortune right here in Monte Cristo opening a Hotel,/Cafe/Brothel. He was even elected as a local judge during his time there. It marked the first time the Trump family entered politics. His grandfather sold his realestate to open another.hotel in Whitehorse,.Yukon Terr. -where the bulk of his fortune was made

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

There is not any information or photos of a location that we have found. Appreciate the comments.

[@thecook8964]

"star studded" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HubertofLiege]

A hike there is as good as a vote for Trump. MAGA

[@charlescook4877]

Most people stop on the bridges and look at the rivers or creeks. You fast-forwarded through those good parts and didn't even look at the water.

[@ghosttownsandminesofwashington]

We understand, and we hear the opposite position as well where people are not interested in trails and scenery. We do our best to provide a general perspective on the area. Thanks for the comments.