Robe Canyon Historic Trail Park

Robe Canyon Historic Trail Park is a 970-acre wilderness area with a forest path passing through maple and alder trees toward the Stillaguamish River and old railroad tunnels. The trail follows the route of a historical railway line and reveals the structures from that era.

The Monte Cristo Railway began operating through the canyon in 1892, transporting gold and silver ore from the Cascade Mountains to Everett via six tunnels. The line served as a crucial connection for mining operations in the region.

A Boy Scout troop transformed the abandoned railway into a hiking path during the 1960s, creating a recreational space from industrial ruins. Today, walkers experience this conversion firsthand as they follow the route through the forest where trains once traveled.

The path has rough terrain and variable moisture conditions, especially after rain, so proper footwear and caution are important. Current access ends at mile 1.1 due to landslides and safety concerns, making the full route inaccessible at this time.

The original railway required constant repairs as floods from the Stillaguamish River repeatedly destroyed the wooden structures built along the water. These ongoing flood damages reveal the challenge of maintaining infrastructure in this wet and fast-flowing terrain.

Location: Snohomish County

Operator: Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Department

Website: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Robe-Canyon-Historic-Trail-75

GPS coordinates: 48.10086,-121.89009

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26