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Old Government

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 48.0265, -121.4440 Map & Directions
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
300 feet
Highest Point
2,400 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Old Government Trail sign. Photo by mato. Full-size image

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
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This is a pleasant, short, lowland forest walk, accessed in Barlow Pass, the popular jumping-off point for locations like Monte Cristo and Gothic Basin. Continue reading

Rating
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Hiking Old Government

This is a pleasant, short, lowland forest walk, accessed in Barlow Pass, the popular jumping off point for locations like Monte Cristo and Gothic Basin.

For this trail though, you'll start off by heading down the Barlow Point Trail. After 0.3 miles, branch off to the left onto the even-quieter Old Government trail.

This route follows parts of the old Everett and Monte Cristo Railway grade and an old trail that paralleled the railroad.  

Old Government

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.0265, -121.4440 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Darrington or Granite Falls, drive the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass. The parking area is on the north side of the highway.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Old Government (#733)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District

News

Hiker Headlines: Trailhead Direct, North Cascades Highway Opens, Fire at Hurricane Ridge Lodge

May 11, 2023

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Old Government

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