Here in Washington state, we are blessed to have several long-running rails-to-trails projects. The premiere one is the 404 km / 251-mile Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, running from just outside Seattle to the Idaho border along the former Milwaukee Line railroad.

I had a few days this week to sample the trail and chose to explore several segments of the trail between Cedar Falls and the Columbia River.

Cedar Falls Trailhead

My journey began at the western end of the trail, near North Bend.

Near Lake Easton

An hour’s drive east from that point, the trail crosses through Lake Easton State Park. From here, you get some great views of the already-mighty Yakima River and the still-active BNSF Stampede Pass railway.

Near Ellensburg

I took another short segment where the trail again crosses the Yakima River near I-90 just west of Ellensburg.

Renslow Trestle

Having driven I-90 many times under this trestle, I had always assumed that the bridge was somehow modified to accomodate the freeway that now lies beneath it.

Not so.

Turns out the trestle has always had these large gaps. If you get yourself up to the south end of the bridge, you get this fun view of the freeway below. And there’s a fun historical photo taken circa 1964 that shows the trestle with scrub land underneath it; the freeway now conveniently fits through these gaps.

Farther east along the trail, you’re reminded of just how desolate it must have seemed for those who operated and used this route.

Columbia River Crossing

The state recently retrofitted the Beverly Bridge (so named for the small town on the east side) allowing the trail to cross the Columbia River.

East of this point, the trail is much more difficult and rustic. The state requires pre-registration and more detailed preparation for those who intend to hike or bike the trail, so my exploration turned back toward some more parts of the western sections.

Near Cle Elum

My trusty steed for this adventure …

Keechelus Lake / Snoqualmie Pass

My last segment was a segment along Keechelus Lake on the opposite side from I-90.

Postscript

On my way out from this last trail segment, I caught this view of a mountain peak shrouded in clouds.

For more information:

• State Parks web site