Happy Trails to You: Lime Kiln Trail

Everett's a perfect launching point for a lot of big, challenging hikes in the Cascades, but sometimes you want something easy and fun. The Lime Kiln Trail in Granite Falls is perfect on a holiday or when playing hooky; you can hike the whole thing and be back in time for lunch. I like to pack breakfast and arrive at the trailhead at dawn. Parking is limited so it pays to be early.

The trail in morning's first light // Christopher Bragg

The views are simple at first as you head over a large wooded hill and into Robe Canyon. Follow the fairytale path as it winds around old trees flanked with fiddleheads and moss.

The whole area teems with life // Christopher Bragg

Soon you'll arrive at the main attraction: the section of the trail that follows the former Everett and Monte Cristo Railway grade.

It's truly strange to picture locomotives rumbling by a century ago on this narrow strip halfway up a steep slope with the turquoise river winding below.

Rushing water and cool breezes // Christopher Bragg

While there's no evidence of the old railway, there are lots of other artifacts on display. You'll find old bricks, car parts and rusty circular saw blades. A few are scattered along the trail, but most of the collection is gathered at the kiln the trail is named after.

See how many artifacts you can find // Christopher Bragg

The hillside around the kiln is cleared so you can climb up and explore it from every angle. It's a great spot to take a break.

Cool off by the kiln // Christopher Bragg

If the water is low enough, I like to have my breakfast at the river shore loop.

A bagel at the beach. Use caution and common sense near the water // Christopher Bragg

That loop is close to the end of the trail, and heading straight back to the parking area gives you about seven miles total. For a couple more, you can follow a maintenance trail that leads in from the access roads.

Go right where you previously went left for some bonus miles // Christopher Bragg

Lime Kiln is popular so expect to see a lot of people heading in on your way out. There are no restrooms here, so the crowd is important to keep in mind if you need to step off the trail for a moment when nature calls. You'll be back home and showered in no time, with lots of your day left to enjoy.