One of the best parts of the Lime Kiln Trail is finding old relics from its mining, railroad and logging past - like this old metal saw. Photo by Opus.

The Lime Kiln Trail not only takes you deep into a lush and remote canyon carved by the South Fork Stillaguamish River, but also leads you deep back into history. Developed almost entirely by volunteers, this delightful trail serves up a unique journey into the heart of Snohomish County's 970-acre Robe Canyon Historical Park. The fairly new park protects over 7 miles of frontage along the South Fork Stillaguamish, as well as preserving an old townsite and a century-old limekiln. The kiln, located 2.6 miles up the trail, is a 20-foot tall stone structure once used to cook limestone. The powdered lime was then transported by the Everett and Monte Cristo Railway to smelters and mills in Everett. Built in 1892 and abandoned in 1934, a section of this rail line has been resurrected as part of the Lime Kiln Trail.

Before embarking on this historical hike, take time to read the informative kiosk at the trailhead. It'll help you more fully appreciate the journey you are about to set off on. The wide and graveled trail takes off through a scrappy forest recovering from years of timber harvesting. The way temporarily leaves the park to traverse private land. Please stay on the path. Cross a small creek and emerge onto an old road. Continue on a slightly rolling course, following directional signs, and after 0.75 mile reenter the park, leave the road, and continue once again on real trail.

Pass Hubbard Pond, a shallow body of water surrounded by old cedars and thickets of salal. Cross its outlet creek on a sturdy bridge, then follow another old road a short distance to a well-marked junction. Here a sign directs you to head left and leave the roadway for a descent into a cool, lush, emerald ravine. Amid giant cottonwoods, Hubbard Creek provides a background score of tumbling tunes.

Emerge on a bench high above the roaring waters of the South Fork Stilly. Now using the former railbed of the old Everett and Monte Cristo Railway, the trail travels upriver through a narrow canyon. Under a canopy of towering moss-draped maples, the fern-lined trail continues on its way to the old limekiln.

En route you'll pass scores of historical relics literally littering the forest floor. Old saw blades, bricks, bottles, stove parts, and bed frames testify that this remote locale once supported a thriving community, Cut-Off Junction (please leave all artifacts in place for others to enjoy). Just up ahead (2.6 miles from your start) lies the source of this past activity, the limekiln, which remains remarkably intact (please stay off of it to ensure it stands another hundred years).

Beyond the old kiln, the trail continues for another 0.8 mile, ending at where a rail bridge once spanned the river. A short loop path takes off left, leading to a graveled bar on the river-a perfect spot to sit and reflect on the area's history and its natural beauty.