Everett's a perfect launching point for a lot of big, challenging hikes in the Cascades, but sometimes you want something easy and fun. The Lime Kiln Trail in Granite Falls is perfect on a holiday or when playing hooky; you can hike the whole thing and be back in time for lunch. I like to pack breakfast and arrive at the trailhead at dawn. Parking is limited so it pays to be early.

The views are simple at first as you head over a large wooded hill and into Robe Canyon. Follow the fairytale path as it winds around old trees flanked with fiddleheads and moss.

Soon you'll arrive at the main attraction: the section of the trail that follows the former Everett and Monte Cristo Railway grade.

It's truly strange to picture locomotives rumbling by a century ago on this narrow strip halfway up a steep slope with the turquoise river winding below.

While there's no evidence of the old railway, there are lots of other artifacts on display. You'll find old bricks, car parts and rusty circular saw blades. A few are scattered along the trail, but most of the collection is gathered at the kiln the trail is named after.

The hillside around the kiln is cleared so you can climb up and explore it from every angle. It's a great spot to take a break.

If the water is low enough, I like to have my breakfast at the river shore loop.

That loop is close to the end of the trail, and heading straight back to the parking area gives you about seven miles total. For a couple more, you can follow a maintenance trail that leads in from the access roads.

Lime Kiln is popular so expect to see a lot of people heading in on your way out. There are no restrooms here, so the crowd is important to keep in mind if you need to step off the trail for a moment when nature calls. You'll be back home and showered in no time, with lots of your day left to enjoy.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.