What is the condition of the trail beyond Monte Cristo?

Past Monte Cristo, the trail becomes overgrown and steep, with some mild scrambling required. One report from [October 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-24.200959696142) describes the second half as bushy and straight up, while another from [August 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-19.214043885411) mentions significant overgrowth and damp plants.

What are the current road conditions for accessing the trailhead?

The road to the trailhead is reported to be suitable for all vehicles. Multiple reports from October and November indicate no issues with road access to Barlow Pass or White River Campground.

Is there any snow on the trail?

As of [November 1](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-02.211919527168), there are intermittent snow-covered sections on the trail, particularly as one approaches the basin area and the scramble section near the waterfall. Gear and expertise are recommended, though spikes were not needed on November 1 due to dry snow.

Are there any significant water crossings?

There is at least one water crossing on the trail. On [November 1](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-02.211919527168), hikers noted that the crossing was a little dicey due to slick logs in the cold, but other hikers had created a helpful rock walkway.

Glacier Basin

North Cascades

updated 1 week ago

The Glacier Basin trail, accessed via the Mountain Loop Highway, is generally in good condition with no significant snow reported since October 1. However, the approach past Monte Cristo becomes overgrown and steep, with some mild scrambling required, as noted in reports from October 24 and August 19. Road access to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles according to multiple recent reports, with ample parking available at Barlow Pass or White River Campground, though some reports caution about potential car break-ins. Water crossings are manageable, with one report from November 1 mentioning a helpful rock walkway constructed by other hikers. Wildlife sightings have been varied, including marmots, pikas, and a bear cub noted on October 3, while chipmunks and squirrels are common.

Generated from 58 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Glacier Basin

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

Past Monte Cristo, the trail becomes overgrown and steep, with some mild scrambling required. One report from October 24 describes the second half as bushy and straight up, while another from August 19 mentions significant overgrowth and damp plants.

Sources

Monte Cristo Ghost Town, Glacier Basin — Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026

Recent1 week ago

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Parking: plenty of parking and a bathroom available. Always be aware that you could get your car broken into here.The trail: we got to the trailhead probably around 8:30. The temps were in the low 30s...

Glacier Basin, Monte Cristo — Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

Recent2 weeks ago

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Biked/walked bike to/form Monte Cristo and hiked up to Glacier Basin plus did a little exploring to try and find the Pride of the Woods Mine but didn't locate it. Half of the trail between Monte Crist...

Burroughs Mountain, Glacier Basin — Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026

Recent3 weeks ago