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Old Robe Trail


Highlights:

Historical rail-trail was instrumental in the Monte Cristo gold rush days
Near:Granite Falls, WA
Scenery:
Distance:4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:500 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: The trail begins in a second growth forest and then descends to the former mill town of Robe. The trail is flat until it joins the river then steep hillsides and the results of years of erosion take over.

When following along the route, you take a step back in history, as this rail-trail was instrumental in the Monte Cristo gold rush days. The land in places was so steep that tunnels were placed in frequent location along the line. Use caution when entering these tunnels.

The first tunnel #6 is at approximately 1.4 miles. At 1.7 miles is tunnel #5, which is 250 ft. long and on a slight curve. Tunnel #4 was removed by the railroad and is now a cut with a rockslide at the west end. Just beyond this point is a huge rock wall built up from the river to the grade. Further along is tunnel #3 which has collapsed.

This trail is on private land.

Trailhead: From the Verlot Public Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), travel west on the Mountain Loop Highway 3.9 mile to the trailhead on the left (south).

(Lat:48.11 Lon:-121.86)

Trail Guides for Old Robe Trail:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (800) 627-0062
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Peter Koths, who has posted  1 other hike on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Victoria S. on 7/12/2008
First time on the trail, 07/12/08. The weather was perfect for the hike at 80 degrees. The hike had some slippery slopes I would recommend wearing appropriate hiking boots with nice ankle support. The hike may be too steep for children in certain areas. Overall this trail offers some spectacular views of the nature and of the river the trail follows. Worth the drive from the Seattle area.

Reviewed by Tavia and Joel on 6/2/2008
My boyfriend and I enjoyed the hike very much. We made the trip yesterday. It was definitly worth it. Just some tips, don't bring kids, bring water, bring climbing shoes and clothes. That is, if you want to brave all the sketchy parts. Joel and I toughed it past tunnels 5 and 6. We didn't turn around until the bridge. Sixty foot drop on either side and trees have fallen on it so who knows how well its going to hold people. We didn't brave it because we were a tad bit dehydrated from the intense climbing. Its a work out and totally worth it!!! We enjoyed every minute of it!! Great place to get away and relax. Gorgeous views!

Reviewed by twilliams on 4/13/2008
Went up yesterday....4/12/08. The hike was beautiful, there are some sketchy places as noted previously. Words cannot describe the scenery, the tunnels are fascinating as well. Great hike, I'd recommend it to anyone.

Reviewed by matt on 2/17/2008
Definitely a great hike, the canyon is gorgeous. There definitely are some pretty sketchy parts, though, as previous reviewers have noted. You really have to watch your footing in those places or else you're in the river, which is flowing quickly and is littered with boulders and sharp rocks. Overall, though, it was well worth the drive from Seattle, and my friends and I have some fantastic pictures.

Reviewed by teamburleigh on 8/7/2007
Our kids loved this hike and the exciting story of the old railroad built along the river. Several washouts this past winter have left the trail a bit treacherous just prior to tunnel number 6. Signs are now posted stating that the trail is closed. We could see the tunnel from this point, so continued on passed the sign. We had to hold on to the youngest kids as we scrambled over rock with the rushing current of the river below us. Walking through tunnel number six was worth it. The rest of the trail that leads to tunnel number five is blocked. It is good to have a few adults along if you do this hike with kids.

Reviewed by wjb on 5/14/2007
Interesting hike. Apparently there have been several more landslides since the last review. We made it to the first tunnel which was blocked at the other side leading to the rest of the trail. I would go back again just because the river was so beautiful, the rail tracks were interesting and to develop climbing skills to get over the slide areas.

Reviewed by Raven on 10/23/2005
The hike was nice, especially for a fall day. It was very nice for the kids ages 7 and 14. The firs tunnel was great, the second tunnel is cool too, but not worth scrammbling over the wash out after it due to the trail ending completely to a tunnel collapse shortly after. A little scetchy toward the first tunnel-keep kids close by! The river is awsome, and the old railroad is really neat! WARNING ALL THE FUN OUR FAMILY HAD WAS RUINED AS WE CAME OUT TO OUR CAR GETTING BROKE INTO AND MY PURSE AND CELL PHONE TAKEN! DON'T LEAVE VALUBLES IN THE CAR!

Reviewed by Steph on 8/24/2005
This hike was pretty and we brought kids along with us. The switchbacks that you have to go up when you're done were a little tough for the kids, but it was a fun hike. The river was pretty too. Some of the tunnels were closed though. It's a nice relaxing trail for someone who wants to spend a few hours away.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Snohomish County Hiking, Snohomish County Trails, Snohomish County Hikes

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