Discover 6 Hidden Gems of Granite Falls

Check out six hidden gems you’ll want to explore on your next visit to Granite Falls.

Granite Falls is an old logging town that’s nestled in the western foothills of the Cascades. It’s idyllically situated among alpine lakes, a scenic byway, towering timbers, and sweeping mountain views. It also features a charming downtown that looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Whether you’re into outdoor recreation or small-town fun, Granite Falls has something for everyone. Discover six of the top hidden gems of this charming town on the edge of adventure.

1. Robe Canyon Historic Trail – A hike through a once-bustling ghost town

Robe Canyon is a 2.4-mile hike a few miles outside of the town of Granite Falls. Once occupied by hundreds of miners and railroad workers, the town vanished after rains washed away the train tracks that led to the town. The trail leads you down a series of steep switchbacks and through a small patch of wetlands to the Stillaguamish River. From there you can trace the train tracks of the Robe Canyon Railroad along the banks of the river as the walls of the canyon rise to the east and the roar of the Stilly fills your ears with white noise. Note: Please don't pass the "do not pass" signs. It gets pretty steep and slippery on the old tracks, and the railroad tunnels are prone to cave-ins.

Robe Canyon Historic Trail
Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls

2. Big Four Ice Caves – A snow-covered natural phenomenon that’s always on ice

A short drive from Granite Falls, you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Big Four Ice Caves. The Big Four Mountain has a microclimate on its north face that sustains ice year-round. The mountainside is marbled with veins of frozen water and patches of snow. It’s quite the sight. The ice caves are a mile trek from the highway along a cleared path that has a low gain in elevation. Note: Please never go in, near, or climb on top of the ice caves.

Big Four Ice Caves
Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls

Note: Please never go in, near, or climb on top of the ice caves.

3. The Stoat – Pull up a chair at your new favorite perfect post-hike or-camp beer spot

A town that boasts a robust outdoor recreation scene also needs a place for recovery. The Stoat gives hikers, campers, a landing spot in downtown Granite Falls after a big day out. More than a beer store, The Stoat is a gathering spot known for its hard kombucha, craft beer, and high-end non-alcoholic beverages. The store doesn’t serve food, but guests are encouraged to bring in food from nearby businesses such as Omega Pizza and Pasta or Thai House Authentic Cuisine. The Stoat would make a fantastic addition to any major city, but in this small town, it’s a little slice of paradise.

The Stoat
104 East Stanley Street

Granite Falls is your basecamp for an adventure on the Mountain Loop Highway

4. Heather Lake – A rough hike with a rewarding alpine lake view

At the base of Mount Pilchuck lies Heather Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by mountainous views and old growth trees. The 4.2-mile roundtrip hike to the lake outlet offers easy trail access and low elevation gain, but its terrain has some rough spots, including rocks, tree roots, and lots of mud or snow depending on the time of year you make the trek. If you dress accordingly, pack some snacks, and keep your wits about you, the payoff of this gorgeous lake and its surround views are well worth the effort.

Heather Lake
Granite Falls

5. Granite Falls Historical Museum – Artifacts that offer a unique look into the history the Pacific Northwest

The Granite Falls Historical Museum has won awards for its delightful and lovingly curated historical artifacts. It has a full-sized spar tree in the building. The museum workers here love to geek out on Victorian garb, railroad ephemera, and vintage motorcycles. This love letter to PNW history is worth your time and attention.

Granite Falls Historical Museum
109 East Union Street

6. Chris Pratt Mural – A-list Hollywood star left his mark on a local pizza restaurant

Granite Falls is picturesque, but it’s certainly not the type of place you’d expect to have ties to one of Hollywood’s biggest actors. Well before landing blockbuster roles on films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World,” Chris Pratt of Lake Stevens painted and signed a mural on the wall at Omega Pizza and Pasta in Granite Falls. Pratt used to work at Omega Pizza during high school and was paid by the owners to create the now-famous artwork. Grab a pie and check it out when you’re in Granite Falls.

Omega Pizza and Pasta|
102 South Granite Avenue

This list contains several hidden gems, but it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all there is to discover in Granite Falls. Elevate your visit to Snohomish County by exploring all the amazing outdoor recreation, dining, activities in and around Granite Falls.

Nick Shekeryk

Nick Shekeryk