Home to a wild river, a scenic wilderness and a historic railroad site, this canyon is one of western Washington's most ecologically and historically important sites. Old growth conifers dot the canyon slopes, and rushing water and deep green pools lure both salmon and skilled kayakers. Remnants of the turn of the century Everett & Monte Cristo Railway remind hikers and boaters of the effort required to build six tunnels through the canyon's rock walls. The River Network, in its quest to create a 1,200-acre Robe Canyon Historic Park, acquired its first 80 acres from the Hancock Timber Resource Group in 1995 with funding from Washington State and Snohomish County. In 1997, the county purchased the remaining land to complete the park and to help permanently protect one of Washington State's environmental and historic jewels.