Old Robe Trail

Location: Granite Falls.

Length: More than a mile each way; trail beyond currently blocked by slides.

Level of difficulty: Level path, then moderately steep switchbacks down to flat trail.

Setting: The farther portions of this trail, reaching two abandoned railroad tunnels from the old Everett and Monte Cristo Railway, are blocked by landslides from last winter's storms, but it still makes a beautiful hike into Robe Canyon. From the trailhead, the trail passes through a forest and switchbacks down into the canyon. In the valley, you'll pass through wetlands where groves of alders and cottonwoods are interspersed with ponds. When you reach the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, the trail swings right and follows the river's north bank. The trail is very sandy — a sign that the river once ran where you're walking, creating a sand bar or beach. Tree debris piled up in the forest mark the river's range during past floods. Use caution (and perhaps a long stick) to balance across rocks where a small stream crosses the trail. (The far slope is slippery, so it's easy to negotiate the stream, then slide back down into the ankle-deep water.) Soon afterward, slides cover the trail; rangers urge stopping at this point. Further progress involves dangerous maneuvering over downed trees on a sometimes icy trail just above the swiftly flowing river.

Highlights: A sign posted along the trail before it descends into the canyon notes that the former mill town of Robe was once located in the canyon along the river until it was relocated in 1907. No buildings are visible from the trail, but keep an eye out for signs of the past. Near the area of the slides, you'll see pieces of metal in the trail from the old railroad, and the stone foundation of the railbed embankment. A rust-colored pool of water near the river hints at buried iron debris.

Facilities: None; restrooms, water and phone at Verlot ranger station about 3 miles farther up the Mountain Loop Highway.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect; keep an eye on kids on narrow parts of the trail near the river; do not erode trails by cutting between trail switchbacks.

Directions: From Granite Falls east of Everett, drive northeast 6.5 miles on the Mountain Loop Highway (Highway 92). Where Green Mountain Road turns off diagonally to the left, the trailhead is off to the right, noted by a marker that looks like a large red-brick fireplace.

For more information: 800-562-4367 or www1.co.snohomish.wa.us.

— Cathy McDonald, Special to The Seattle Times

Renton-based freelancer Cathy McDonald, a former geologist, has written about science and nature travel for 20 years. She's currently a travel guidebook editor at Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door. Contact her: nwwriter@hotmail.com.