Gather And Go Friends Group

Come meet some good people every week whether you are newbie in town or long-term locals. Get some exercise and great conversations. This is a rain or shine event.
We will start at the parking strip in the middle of the park, next to a honey bucket and the Carkeek Pump Station/CSO Treatment Facility. We will then hike from the south ridge trail toward the south bluff then down the bridge to the beach (at about 6.30 pm). Enjoy the sunset and occasionally a thrilling train chase before heading up back on the trail. This time to the north bluff, down the Grand Fir trail and return to the parking spot, completing a loop of ~ 2.8 miles and about 400 ft elevation gain at about 7.10 pm (see the photo for map). We will then meet at a nearby restaurant to socialize and enjoy some food (between 7.15-8.30 pm). Recently we have picked Recently we have picked Taki's Mad Greek or Magic Masala (both are on NW 85th street) as the dinner spot.
If you are late and can not make the hike, please send a comment to the event in advance. Please note that hosts do NOT check messages while hiking. We may reply to your messages when we are done with the loop.
***** Important: Please read the event timeline carefully if you are late and want to meet us halfway or at the restaurant. Some restaurants may not want to process multiple credit cards. Cash would be most convenient.
RSVP ETIQUETTE: please edit your RSVP if you are unable to come.

Come meet some good people every week whether you are newbie in town or long-term locals. Get some exercise and great conversations. This is a rain or shine event.
We will start at the parking strip in the middle of the park, next to a honey bucket and the Carkeek Pump Station/CSO Treatment Facility. We will then hike from the south ridge trail toward the south bluff then down the bridge to the beach (at about 6.30 pm). Enjoy the sunset and occasionally a thrilling train chase before heading up back on the trail. This time to the north bluff, down the Grand Fir trail and return to the parking spot, completing a loop of ~ 2.8 miles and about 400 ft elevation gain at about 7.10 pm (see the photo for map). We will then meet at a nearby restaurant to socialize and enjoy some food (between 7.15-8.30 pm). Recently we have picked Recently we have picked Taki's Mad Greek or Magic Masala (both are on NW 85th street) as the dinner spot.
If you are late and can not make the hike, please send a comment to the event in advance. Please note that hosts do NOT check messages while hiking. We may reply to your messages when we are done with the loop.
***** Important: Please read the event timeline carefully if you are late and want to meet us halfway or at the restaurant. Some restaurants may not want to process multiple credit cards. Cash would be most convenient.
RSVP ETIQUETTE: please edit your RSVP if you are unable to come.

There's something about crossing the mountains that resets you — the fir-dark tunnels of I-90 give way to golden hills, orchard rows, and the sweet, sun-warmed air of Central Washington. We're spending the day chasing that shift: starting with a taste of the valley's most famous candy, then closing it out with boots on the trail beneath the peaks of the Mountain Loop Highway.
By mid-morning we'll be wandering the fragrant halls of the Liberty Orchards Aplets & Cotlets factory, watching the candy-making process up close and sampling the fruit-and-nut confections that have been made here since 1918. Then it's back over the pass toward the Monte Cristo ghost town — an old-growth forest walk along the Sauk River to the crumbling remains of a turn-of-the-century mining town, framed by some of the most dramatic peaks in the Cascades.
📍 Itinerary

1. 8:00 AM — Meet at the South Bellevue Park & Ride
2. 10:00 AM — Arrive in Wenatchee
3. 10:00 – 11:00 AM — Brunch in Wenatchee
4. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Aplets & Cotlets factory tour (free), Cashmere/Wenatchee
5. 2:00 PM — Start the Monte Cristo hike
6. 6:00 PM — Aim to be off-trail and heading back
7. 7:00 PM — Back in Seattle

Difficulty 8.8 miles RT with ~636 feet of elevation gain. | Distance: 8.8 mi RT | Duration: ~3–4 hrs | | Elevation Gain: 636 feet | | Pace: Moderate |
The trail follows an old railroad grade along the Sauk River through old-growth forest out to the Monte Cristo townsite — mostly gentle grade, with a couple of stream crossings depending on conditions.
Carpool Please arrange carpools in the comments section. Gas costs are negotiated within each car group ahead of the drive.
Things to Pack

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Water (at least 1.5–2L)
• Layers — it'll be cooler up in the mountains than in Wenatchee
• Snacks for the trail (brunch will be our main meal before the hike)
• Rain shell just in case
• Cash or card for the Aplets & Cotlets gift shop, if you want to bring treats home

Meetup Spot South Bellevue Park & Ride — 8:00 AM sharp, so we can make good time to Wenatchee.
Parking A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required at the Monte Cristo/Barlow Pass trailhead. Bring one if you have it, or we can split a day pass at the trailhead. Note: on Google Maps, search for the Gothic Basin Trailhead — that's the same trailhead we'll be starting from.
Optional Dinner Totally optional, but if your car group is up for it, we can grab dinner after crossing back over the pass — please discuss with your driver.
Communication We will communicate through WhatsApp.