Iron Goat Trail — Sunday, Jul. 4, 2010

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Even though it was cold and drizzly at Stevens Pass, my husband and I decided to visit the Wellington Avalanche portion of the Iron Goat Trail. Driving East it's a tricky left turn onto the Old Stevens Pass Highway, which we missed the first time so had to turn around at the summit and try again. The roads are now snow-free. What a fascinating place! First we saw the old train tunnel but due to several recent flash floods, the trail is closed leading right up to the tunnel. In the opposite direction (west) we walked through the old snow shed that is slowly disintegrating but still relatively safe (we hoped!) to walk through. Kind of spooky in there but we saw a spotted owl perched up near the ceiling checking us out -- very exciting! We read all the informative signs about the terrible avalanche of March 1, 1910 that swept away an entire trainload of people. Even though the town of Wellington was mostly spared, it eventually ceased to exist. Just a few remnants of the town remain. We have a new appreciation for the terrible working conditions and daunting task of running a rail line through those mountains -- many lives were lost in the process. If the weather had been nicer, we would have continued walking on the Iron Goat Trail but that will have to wait for another time. Definitely recommend this historical, easy hike.