GRANITE FALLS, WA :: The threat of avalanches kept me away from the mountains this weekend. I decided instead to explore the new Lime Kiln Trail in Robe Canyon. Overall, it’s a nice seven-mile walk through the woods along a historic railroad grade that overlooks the Stillaguamish River. Like the nearby Old Robe Trail, it requires hiking through a mile or so of disappointing scenery: a stretch of wide forest road that only offers a view of clear-cut hills. As I walked through this area, I considered it a kind of buffer or transition zone, from my vehicle to a much wilder place a hundred years ago.
Soon enough, I entered the forest and began to hear the river. Old artifacts from an abandoned sawmill, including large blades, pots, stoves, ceramics, and the rotting soles of leather boots, were strewn along the trail. Beyond the lime kiln, there’s evidence of massive rockslides, broken bridges and collapsed tunnels. I imagine this must have been a very scenic train ride to Monte Cristo at one time, but those who built and maintained this line couldn’t win their battle against the relentless forces of nature.
Soon enough, I entered the forest and began to hear the river. Old artifacts from an abandoned sawmill, including large blades, pots, stoves, ceramics, and the rotting soles of leather boots, were strewn along the trail. Beyond the lime kiln, there’s evidence of massive rockslides, broken bridges and collapsed tunnels. I imagine this must have been a very scenic train ride to Monte Cristo at one time, but those who built and maintained this line couldn’t win their battle against the relentless forces of nature.
