Lime Kiln trail is a very pleasant walk out of Granite Falls. First past the frozen Swartz Lake, then into a lush (now snowy) canyon carved by the South Fork Stillaguamish River, 2.6 mile later reach an old town site (Robe) and a century-old lime kiln. The powdered lime was transported by the Everett and Monte Cristo Railway to smelters and mills in Everett. Built in 1892 and abandoned in 1934. No trace left of the town, nor railway track or tunnel.Light snow falls all day. Trail is not too slippery. Good low elevation choice at this time of year. Possible to swim in the river in summer.
Started early, and back early. 12 of us stopped in Granite Falls at a strange Teriyaki Cafe for self serving coffee & tea. Some of us ordered fried dumplings. More photos here.
Practicality: 7 miles RT, 625ft gain. At Granite Falls (on Hwy 92), instead of turning left for Mt Loop Hwy, turn right (south) onto S. Alder Ave. Turn left (east) on E. Pioneer St, follow it to Menzel Lake Rd (~0.9 mile). Turn left on Waite Mill Rd (0.6 miles, just beyond a school bus turnaround sign), bear left at a Y intersection onto a gravel road. The turnoff for Robe Canyon Historical Park in 500 feet on left.
