OLD ROBE TRAIL - Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls

Last weekend the day before Memorial Day, my family and I went on a great hike up in Granite Falls. This was our first time hiking there, having received information previously indicating there are at least four hikes in this area. Through my real estate related excursions in Granite Falls, I know it to be beautiful country. The Glacier Basin Trail is considered strenuous, but the other three are considered easy. They are The Big Four Ice Caves, Monte Cristo, and The Old Robe Trail.  We hiked Old Robe.

There is a bit of a descent down to the river which in the reverse, makes for an ascent, which can get a persons heart rate up a little for about 15 minutes.  It is beautiful scenery from the get-go and once down by the river, the trail remains relatively flat. The trail leads to part of what was once an old railroad line, and I’ve walked and maybe even ridden along tracks before, but I’ve never seen the likes of this. There are several tunnels or caves in the hillsides which the trains used to travel through. Although the trail is supposed to be closed at this point, we ventured on and the terrain does get a bit dangerous with unstable footing and debris on the trail. I’m glad my husband brought some rope and thankfully, we didn’t need it!

I did imagine myself back in time, traveling by train on this route….being the setting is breathtakingly beautiful, I imagined those providing any type of service not having to deal with unpleasant travelers with the setting exuding such a sense of peace.

Another place my boys and I have hiked is Wallace Falls in Gold Bar. This hike also takes one along the river for a while, and again, leading to levels of ascension. There are at least three different trails to hike with trails leading to the lower falls, middle falls and upper falls.  I’m not sure if each trail gives a different vantage point of the same thing since the lower falls has always been an enjoyable hike which provides a good workout and takes 2 1/2 – 3 hours round trip. My eldest sons 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, proposed to his wife on this hike and they actually had their wedding there. I believe they were married at the Upper Falls so one of these days, I’m going to have to remember to ask him how many were in attendance!

Wallace Falls, April 2008

Having spent a large portion of my life in Hawaii and explored much of the aina (land) there, I have to say the natural beauty of Washington state rivals it.

I hope to have a our next hiking excursion a little closer to home, perhaps Mt Si in North Bend.  This one may be a little more challenging but I understand the views are amazing so hopefully the rest of the family will appreciate having to make the additional effort!

Happy Trails Everyone!