Established in 1900, Melmont was a coal town. Between 1900 and 1918, 900,000 tons of coal were produced from its mines. With the development of diesel and electric power, the need for coal diminished, and the town was abandoned. In the years that followed, fires consumed the remaining buildings. Today all that remains are a few foundations and an old dynamite storage shack.
After parking by the Fairfax bridge, we descended a short, steep trail to the old railbed. From here it was a short walk to an old retaining wall. Unfortunately this has become a hot spot for graffiti.
Back on the muddy trail above the wall, we spotted the old dynamite storage shack ahead. As we approached, the air reeked of fresh spray paint. A couple of tweakers emerged from the shack. One was carrying a big bag full of cans(?). They alternated between lingering around and pretending to look for something in the woods.
I followed the stench of spray paint into the structure. Sure enough, there was fresh graffiti, still wet to the touch, all over the inside. Sometimes I really hate people.
We continued on our way. A couple with an uncontrolled dog caught up to us. Pebbles really doesn't like random nosy dogs, so we asked them to leash their dog. They were jerks about it. Sigh.
We passed an old car downslope and were going to check it out until we realized one of the tweakers was busy pilfering it. Pass.
After a brief hailstorm, we headed up to the old schoolhouse foundation. Sadly this piece of history was not immune to spray paint either. Someone had a campfire there recently, so we destroyed the remnants as best as we could.
We were going to continue on to the old townsite and bridge foundation, but with the creepy vibe of the area, we decided to turn around. Between the interesting characters, the graffiti, and the litter, we don't feel this place is worthy of a return trip.
Stopped off at the coke ovens in Wilkeson on our journey home. Very cool to see these still intact.
On our drive home, it started snowing south of Issaquah. Spring can't come soon enough!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).