Granite Falls

Situated in the shadows of Mount Pilchuck, Granite Falls is a perfect stop before or after a mountain excursion. Turn-of-the-century architecture, unique local eateries and shops, and a distinct western foothills atmosphere contribute to the charm of this tiny Snohomish County community. The Granite Falls Historical Society manages a small house as a museum to illustrate the mining, logging, railroad and social history of the area. Of special interest is a 16-foot "timeline" log of Douglas Fir, which may have been a seedling in the year 875! The Big Four Ice Caves and the ghost town of Monte Cristo are popular July-Sept. The ice caves are actually tunnels formed in the permanent ice of the avalanche snowfield below Big Four Mountain during summer. These caves are beautiful but very dangerous, so enjoy and photograph them from a safe distance.