Twin Lakes (Wenatchee), Twin Lakes - Monte Cristo — Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

The road to Monte Cristo has always been long (at least as long as I have lived here). With the road closed to motor vehicles it is a long trudge. Mountain bikes ease this considerably. One's first obstacle is the washout area a half mile up the road. Another half mile one needs to port their bike across the river. I've heard of folks walking through the river but no need, there is a dead tree which is wide enough to walk while carrying your bike. Once in MC hike through town staying right of an old cabin. The trail to Silver and Twin Lakes is behind it to the right. A crusty old trial with mining remnants lasts for 5 minutes. From there it climbs steadily and beautifully. King Boletes, Black Velvet Boletes and blueberries will fill your bag and make for an excellent dinner. We didn't stop at Silver but it looked very inviting. Sliver Tip Peak looked like a fun (and perhaps longish trudge) for entry level orienteers. The next few miles are true Sub-Alpine jewels. Wide open slopes full of flowers, mushrooms, babbling creeks and a bazillion blueberries. The trail tops out above Twin Lakes (700' above) and winds down to a few camp sites between the lakes. We chose to stay high and save the gained elevation. A side trail heads towards Columbia peak from the trail's high point. Wind along the ridge towards Columbia. The trail gets quite steep and eventually gains a small plateau at 6300'. a small clump of krummholtz, visible along the way, marks this plateau. The vistas were spectacular, snow spots provided us with water for our stay and a family of Ptarmigans greeted us in the morning. The route up Columbia is not straightforward but is technically easy. A few third class moves and constant exposure to loose rock and, well, exposure, are as bad as it gets. Follow Beckey's directions to the top and leave the novices at home.