Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Lime Kiln Trail

Finally, hiking season is back! It's been a little under a year since my last post.  We started off our hiking extravaganza with a great trail through Lime Kiln Trail/ Robe Canyon.

Lime Kiln Trail is a hidden gem just outside of Granite Falls.  It's lush green bushes and tall trees act as a canopy over its path.  This trail is a little over 5 miles long and doesn't have a steep incline; about 350ft.  It takes 4-5 hours to walk it, round-trip.

The day was a perfect day for hiking; mid 60 degree weather with overcast.  I was quite comfortable carrying Emily (my 30lb toddler) for over half the hike. Emily was even able to walk a bit of it herself.  The path is quite soft, not a lot of bumpy grounds.  I do not recommend strollers, but if you have a good carrier, that should be fine with carrying your little one(s).

The hike itself was gorgeous. Everything was so alive.  Moss acted like a blanket for the trees and created a sense of bliss.  The hike hovers over Robe Canyon.  With these trails, you will find steep cliffs and a beautiful river at its base. Along the path you may see old pieces of artifacts from the previous Everett-Monte Cristo railway that was abandoned in 1934.  Near the end of your journey you will pass the great Lime Kiln for which the trail was named after.  It is a beautiful landmark aged with time and the forest.

This trail is a wonderful starter hike for families.  Kids can easily walk its paths.  It is not too strenuous. There are even fun log bridges that you will cross.

Make sure you pack some snacks and water along the way, there will be a bench near your half-way mark that you can sit down and enjoy the view for a bit.  This trail is dog-friendly as long as you have them on leashes.  There is also a trail in which horses can walk through.  There is no cost for parking (I don't know if that will change).

I hope you enjoy this hike as much as I did!
The beginning of the hike.

 
The Robe Canyon.

You will see these mini-waterfalls throughout the hike.

 
There are many of these signs telling you where to go :)
 
Lime Kiln