Snoqualmie Tunnel
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The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a 2.3 mi (4 km) abandoned railroad tunnel at Snoqualmie Pass. The tunnel now serves as part of a rail trail in Iron Horse State Park. The trail is called the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, but sometimes also called the Iron Horse Trail.
[edit] History
The tunnel was constructed from 1912-1915 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad as part of its line from Chicago to Seattle. Electrification in 1917 eliminated smoke dissipation issues.
In 1980 the railroad went bankrupt and the state acquired the right-of-way for recreational use.
Today the tunnel is part of the Iron Horse State Park rails-to-trails project. It is closed between November 1st through early may due to ice formations.
[edit] References
- Official Parks Site
- Snoqualmie History
- Bicycle Trip Through the Tunnel
- Study of Tunnels on Rail Trails