Iron Goat Trail — Friday, Feb. 14, 2003

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Read a book about Stevens Pass history and decided to wander through it a bit. This lower section of trail was snow free for the first three miles until it turned eastward, so the going was easy. The grade is a leisurely 1-2% with an even surface; signs are scattered along the route to explain points of interest. Rusted and crumbling relics of pioneer railroading are everywhere to be found. Two of the three tunnels are partially caved-in and likely hazardous. The Windy Point tunnel is the exception because it was reinforced with concrete. Despite the warnings posted I advanced into the quarter mile long passsage with my feeble flashlight. This tunnel was cut later and much larger than the others to accomodate proper water drainage, and promote ventilation I suppose, so it seems cavernous. In the middle, where no light is visible from either end of the curving tunnel I paused and turned out the light, mortal darkness all around. One small cave-in near the east end, but it posed no obstacle. The proverbial light of the end of the tunnel was a relief to see. Windy Point provides views down to Scenic and the modern Cascade Tunnel. Next trip I hope to visit the former site of Wellington (Tye)and contemplate the place where a train was swept down the mountain in the winter of 1912(?).