This Creepy Hike In Washington Takes You Past An Abandoned Lime Kiln

There is something creepy about wandering past the remnants of a community that has been long since abandoned. What is even creepier is when the ruins of that community are now covered in moss and lichen and surrounded by a persistent mist. If this eerie scene sounds appealing to you, you will want to check out the Lime Kiln Trail in Granite Falls, Washington. Almost 100 years ago, the Everett and Monte Cristo Railroad passed through this area, which was then known as the community of Cutoff Junction. It was also the site of a former logging railroad spur and where limestone was converted to lime in huge kilns. Ruins of these abandoned trades and communities remain, so head over to the Lime Kiln Trail to check them out.

Lime Kiln Trail is part of the Robe Canyon Historic Trail Park, which is located in Granite Falls. About an hour’s drive from Seattle, this is a great day trip hike.

Frank Fujimoto/Flickr

The trail is a 6.7-mile out-and-back trail that is considered easy to moderate. It takes you through a wet, mossy forest that will start giving you chills once you arrive.

Jordan Lindemann/AllTrails

The ruins of the abandoned railroad, logging, and liming community make this trail particularly creepy. Thriving in the late 1800s, then abandoned in the 1930s, the artifacts left behind give the trail an eerie feeling.

Stuart Lutzenhiser/AllTrails

Along the oftentimes muddy, cool trail are lichen-covered, gnarly branches as well as felled trees with strange root structures.

Yeen-Kuan Wong Ja/AllTrails

The abandoned lime kilns are the showstoppers of this hike. This kiln is approximately 20 feet tall and covered with moss and ferns. It truly is reminiscent of a jungle ruin, so be sure to bring your camera.

Joey Davidson/AllTrails

While the Lime Kiln Trail is known for being creepy, it is also beautiful. So it should be on your trail list regardless of how you feel about its history.

Bettina Clowry/AllTrails

Are you up for checking out this creepy, but beautiful hike? Learn more about Lime Kiln Trail then plan your next visit!