The Lime Kiln Trail near Granite Falls is a fairly easy, 7.2 mile, out and back hike. There is no toilet at the trailhead so plan accordingly. The trail starts as a wide, well maintained path that wanders
through trees dripping with moss. Follow the signs to stay on the main trail.
After entering Robe Canoyon Historic Park, look for the turnoff to continue on the Lime Kiln Trail. Here the trail can be narrow and eroded in sections with uneven ground and downed trees to navigate. Blackberries and nettles make
longer pants a good idea. Be prepared for mud in wet weather.
Watch for rusted
logging artifacts leading up to the limestone kiln. The kiln appears
to be in decent shape despite its age. Continue past the kiln to reach the trail end and an optional river loop.
A short spur out to
the old railroad bridge marks the end of the trail. There is not much to see beyond the concrete
abutments where the bridge once crossed the Stillaguamish river.
The short river loop
is steep and narrow along the NE rim. Hike down to the river and back along the
SW rim if you're afraid of heights. Find
a nice rock to sit on a have a snack or soak your feet before retracing your steps to the trailhead.
