What is the condition of the river crossing near the start of the trail?

The log used for the river crossing has failed and is now unstable, making wet feet likely as of [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.211028935305). Previously, in [August 28](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.140313726551), small logs in place were used to cross with dry feet.

What are the primary obstacles on the trail?

Multiple reports indicate numerous trees down across the trail, with some being quite large, as noted on [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.211028935305), [August 28](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.140313726551), and July 16. The trail can also be overgrown in places, particularly the section from Monte Cristo to Twin Lakes, as reported on July 3 and September 6.

What are the parking conditions at the Barlow Pass trailhead?

Parking at Barlow Pass can be very competitive, especially on weekends. One report from [August 28](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.140313726551) indicated the lot was full by 7:30 AM, and another from [July 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.171152164382) noted approximately 150 cars parked by 9 AM on a Saturday.

Are there any significant water crossings past the initial river crossing?

A report from [August 8](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-10.191557730677) mentions crossing one small stream on the section of trail from the ghost town to Poodle Dog Pass. Beyond that, the primary water concern is the unstable river crossing mentioned in earlier reports and the potential for wet feet.

Twin Lakes - Monte Cristo

North Cascades

updated 2 weeks ago

The trail to Twin Lakes from Monte Cristo is experiencing a mixed bag of conditions. While snow-free as of September 6, hikers should anticipate significant obstacles. Reports from September 6 and August 28 mention numerous trees down across the trail, some requiring considerable effort to navigate. The river crossing near the start has also become unstable, with a log crossing having failed, making wet feet likely as of September 6. Above Silver Lake, the trail becomes steep and rocky, with erosion causing narrow sections as noted on August 28. Parking at the Barlow Pass trailhead can be very busy, especially on weekends, with reports of the lot being full by August 28 and July 18 even by mid-morning.

Generated from 14 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Twin Lakes - Monte Cristo

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

The log used for the river crossing has failed and is now unstable, making wet feet likely as of September 6. Previously, in August 28, small logs in place were used to cross with dry feet.