Argentine Central Exploration (Part 1)

While taking a little "R&R" at the family cabin in Georgetown, I decided to hike the Argentine Central (AC) grade on Leavenworth Mt. from Silver Plume to Pavilion (Leavenworth) Point. This hike is over the lower 3 switchbacks of the line and only accessible by foot. The rest of the grade from Pavilion Point, including the upper switchbacks at the end of the line above Waldorf, can be accessed by auto. As I made this hike, I was trying to remember the last time I did.. As a youth, I climbed all over this area exploring the G-Town Loop and AC, and I soon realized, it was almost 50 years ago that I hiked this section. At that time it was very overgrown, with the grade difficult to navigate. Today it is a clearly marked trail, although the area is still overgrown with trees and other vegetation.

The Hike:


There were no bridges on the line that I am aware of, but was able to locate the remains of some culverts: This one was on the lower switchback:


Another with a nice rock retaining wall on the upper switchback:


Another wall:


The transition from the middle to the upper switchback:


To be continued: