August 5 - Old Robe Canyon

Stillaguamish River

I realize in the last post I said I was going to stick to mid-week hikes from now on, but it was a very hot day and I know this trail along the river doesn't ever see much use. 

This is a shorter trail that is full of history.  The trail follows the route of an old railroad that was built right alongside the river.  The railroad was built so that gold and silver, and later timber, could be transported to Everett.  However, building a railroad track so close to a flood-prone river proved to be not such a wise idea.  Constant washouts caused the railway to become defunct. 

Everett & Monte Cristo Railroad Remnants

A hiking trail built on top of the defunct railroad tracks next to the flood-prone river has also proved to be problematic.  The trail, which should be several miles long and pass through multiple railroad tunnels, is now just 1.2 miles one-way due to a large rockslide blocking the trail.  Erosion from the river has taken it's toll on the trail even before reaching the rockslide, though. 

Even though this trail is short, it has good access to the river so I was able to find a nice spot to sit down and soak my feet in the cool water.

Hike-A-Thon Fundraising Goals:

Miles to go: 108.1

Dollars to go: 890

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