robe canyon

I have done this hike many times over the years and enjoyed it every time. The trail has changed over the years due to many wash outs and land slides. The trail is a little treacherous in some spots as it runs along a very swift river and the ground is a little loose. The trail is about a mile and a half with a moderate elevation gain on the return trip. The trail runs along the railroad that use to run from the mining town of Monte Cristo to Everett. This is an interesting part of Washington's history. There are 2 railroad tunnels along the trail that are interesting to walk through. Avoid touching the walls or leaning as the walls often have a coating of bat guano. Bring bug spray as the trail runs along a swamp on the side opposite the river.

This is a nice easy walk for anyone who is in average health. Small hills and fairly level terrain make this a good day hike. beautiful views and historical artifacts along the trail almost takes you back to the days that the railroad was operating. Take water and snacks to make your trip most enjoyable. Remember to lock all valuables in your trunk as at all trail heads.

This is a nice walk for a picnic if you don't go past the first tunnel, just don't forget about the switchbacks on the way back. But if you want to explore further the trail is closed and can be dangerous, when I was younger I would go there every month and see how many tunnels I could make it to, but there have been so many landslides that the old train tracks past the first tunnel are long gone and it can be a little scary trying to get to the others. So in my opinion enjoy the walk but don't be stupid.

Old Robe Trail has some fun tunnels dating back to the time they used rail for mining in the canyons. The tunnels and rail ties are still present. The trail starts nicely enough as it drops into the canyon where there are campsites. Getting from the camp sites along the river to the rest of the trail can be tricky. We've hiked this several times and it seem different every time depending on the time of year. Early spring can be difficult due to high river flooding and winter wash out. Once the whole area was flooded making the trail near impossible to access. Another time we had to find our way across the little stream to where the rail line picks up. Be careful when walking along the rail ties, they can be very slick when wet. The tunnels aren't long, though they can be dark for a time so having a flashlight is helpful. There are rocks and other debris on the ground which can trip you in the dark. As kids we used to hike to the end, but a while back (20 yrs?) part of the trail landslided into the river cutting off the trail at the end of the second tunnel. You can still get around on the shale, but it is extremely dangerous. Use common sense and be careful on the slim bridge. There isn't much to see past the second tunnel, so it's best just to turn around there. No Northest Forest Pass is required for this hike

Although some of the further tunnels are closed due to wash outs, this hike is a quick, easy, family friendly hike any time of year. First cleared by Troop 43 of Lake Stevens in the 60's, the Robe Canyon Trail is now a huge draw for many hikers. The river is amazing at high water and plunges through the canyon with considerable force--not a place for a leisurely swim. Take a date, take the kids, take the dog. Robe Canyon appeals to many.

Once at trail head, it is very flat and open. You will see a "trail advisory" marker. Trail changes from this point, you descend into the canyon. Can't really see much, other than blood sucking skeeters. Once the trail levels out you can hear the roar of the Stillaguamish River. When river becomes visible, this is when you may want to consider turning back. The rest is muddy, tricky and DANGEROUS. Most definitely NOT for pets and/or children. Found several artifacts reminding us that this area is full of history. Saw several neat waterfalls and a few little caves (good 4 pictures). This is "technically" the end of the trail (1.2 miles). There is a sign telling you to stop, warning you of the slide area. DO NOT ENTER. Don't let temptation win, it really doesn't look so bad, until you are in the middle of the slide area. You look UP and see cracked boulders, and dangling trees. Then look DOWN and there is the swiftly moving river smiling at you with an evil grin. Once past slide area, you realize that this area is truly fantastic. Out of the clear blue, you see a tunnel. There are two that are accessible (assuming you continue past the do not enter sign). Tunnel #6 is pretty long with a turn. Tunnel #5 is short, but interesting. This canyon is simply amazing. Huge does not even begin to describe the rock wall along the opposite side of the river.