Before it closes, let's bike to Monte Cristo, a former mining town along the South Fork Sauk River.
This is the sixth in a series of bike rides along the many biking/walking trails in the Seattle area (since it's summertime, I'm stretching the definition of 'Seattle'). Normally I would choose a paved biking trail, but Monte Cristo is well-known as one of the premier bikeable backwoods destinations in Washington, and starting next year it may be closed for some time.
We'll ride from Barlow Pass on the Mountain Loop Highway (posted coordinates) around 4 miles on the Monte Cristo Trail to the formerly bustling town of Monte Cristo. The trail continues past the town, but is not so bikeable (and at some point, it enters wilderness where bicycles aren't allowed). Bring a lunch, snacks, and, most importantly, water. Obviously, there are no convenience stores in a ghost town (or at Barlow Pass), but less obviously, the town is full of mining debris that is leaching into the water of the nearby streams, so even filtering the water is unlikely to make it safe.
I repeat: bring your own water!
The trail is, I have been assured, easy to bike for the most part, even on road bikes, even towing a kid. It mostly follows an old railroad grade along easy dirt/gravel. However, due to washouts, there are places where you must divert onto skinnier trails (think small hiking trails) or rocky patches where you will likely want to walk your bike. Also, about a mile in (see the waypoint), a bridge has washed out, and you must cross on a large log (or ford the river, which may not be safe or even possible). The log is wide (see some pictures here), but not so wide you want to drag a bike trailer across it, so consider your equipment. Another description of the trail.
I will only cancel this event if the weather is terrible: heavy rain, lightning/thunder, snow or ice. Bring a waterproof layer if it might rain, as well as the ten essentials.
The posted coordinates are for trailhead parking at Barlow Pass. A National Forest Service Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Try to be there a little early so we can rally the forces. Check your brakes and air beforehand.
Participants in this event hold harmless the cache owner/event organizer and assume all risks and responsibilties involved in riding a bicycle on a national forest service trail and crossing mountain streams. Wear a helmet, dress in layers, and bring a spare tube. Also, for this ride only, bring the ten essentials.
If you have any suggestions/requests for future trails to ride on, feel free to mention them in your log.