I just uploaded a few photos to my Album. They are from our US-trip this past August and cover Tacoma, Hyak, Cle Elum, Beverly, Othello and St Paul Pass. I'm not sure how to link to it, but anyway here it goes: Milwaukee Ghosts in Idaho and Washington - RailImages.com Note, however that those photos are not for the weak of heart since they contain scenes of utter violence against the Pacific Extension!
Michael- Just for fun, or you might want to add to any notes- Othello Yard- That view, you are standing on the old lead to the diesel fueling rack. Which would have been behind you. Tree at right center locates where the depot once stood. Snoqualmie Pass- I was fortunate enough to visit there once again, last summer before they closed it off to hikers and bikers. As I often remembered it, some fog was coming out of the portal. Was there any when you stopped there? That effect often shows the difference in climate and weather between the two sides. Hyak- The area you photo'd showing the present day ski area- The Milwaukee Ski Bowl was located to the left of today's skiing. Where you see the trees growing up, that foliage is the spot. In the autumn months, after leaves drop, you can still see debris from the two collapsed ski jumps. Beverly- That's actually the base for the old oil tank. Cle Elum- The corner of that counter in the beanery- I sat at that very corner, summer of 1957 or 1958, and ate the lousiest bowl of bean soup I ever know was made. It made me sick... But I still remember the day very well. Boxcab E50
Thanks for the tour. My mom was always a big fan of the Milwaukee Road and told many stories about riding it.
Did you go east of the east portal area? I guess you rode the Trail of the Hiawatha? One more item that's on my Bucket List.... Thanks for sharing!
No, I think you could go east from there, but the tunnel is the attraction.... Nevertheless, they have planned to extend the trip eastward to Saltese which will make this what must be the longest trail anywhere (I hope). However, there was no definite schedule so let's see. If they do it, I will return and stay for 3 or 4 days. Michael
Othello: We were not sure if this was indeed the mainline so desolate and abandoned as it looks now. No fog on snoqualmie pass. It was dry and warm on both sides, so I guess that's not the day to get fog. And as to the beanery - it sure must be better nowadays... Michael
Saltese? Silver Creek trestle is there, Dominion Creek trestle is west, as is Tunnel 19! Both places I have not yet documented!
Yes, look here: http://www.skilookout.com/hiawatha/pdf/map.pdf in there you'll find: <<Montana Section: Thirty-one miles of the route will be eventually added on the Montana side, including one tunnel and two trestles, for use by mountain bikers, hikers, all-terrain vehicles, horses and vehicles.>> Saltese, Haugan are included in those 31 miles, I presume. But someone at the Lookout Lodge told me specifically about Saltese. Michael
Haugan would be a natural eastern terminus--easier access than at Saltese. And besides, where can you park enough cars in Saltese? Haugan has more area to build a tourist trap, err, uhm, bike trailhead...
The Haugan/DeBorgia area is already used as sort of a trailhead for snowmobiles, etc. So it sure seems like a natural choice. At Saltese, the r-o-w is up on the hillside, so access would need to be built. And that little settlement doesn't really have a lot of spare room for adding much. Access further west is a bit tougher, as r-o-w is across the River from the freeway. Boxcab E50
The hunt continues We advanced to St Maries where we were greeted by the sounds and sights of a live railroad:
There are quite a few Milwaukee artefacts in the St Maries yard: Caboose (RIBSIDER!): Flanger: Water car: And last, but not least:
Tekoa Our last Milwaukee hunt was Tekoa where nothing is left except the trestle. and from beyond: (It seems that it never got upgraded with a ballast deck) They took no chance, not only boarded up but also planking removed... This is the end of our Milwaukee Road Journey. I hope you can feel the fun we had! Michael
