The draw to this trail is that the Great Northern RR (now known as BNSF) pumped in a ton of money to build and maintain this trail before abandoning it in 1929. Tye or Wellington is noted for a slide that killed aprox 96 people in 1910. The history is rich in this area and was heavily photographed by locals who worked for the railroad. Lee Picket took aprox. 5000 photos in the 30s, most are archived at Central Washington Museum.

Then around in the early 90s the Forest Service in cooperation with the Mountaineers and Volunteers for Outdoor Washington painstakingly and carefully constructed the trail to help preserve the history. In addition interpretive signs with copys of historical pictures are placed at key points of interest. The lower part of the trail is wheelchair accessible. One of the founders of the trail, Sam Fry, was injured and I had the honor of pushing his wheelchair on the trail. The 2.2% grade makes it easy to push uphill.

I have hiked many rail trails but the history makes this trail much different and well worth the journey. I make it a point to visit it each year. Its only real bad point is that it is 9 miles long. Bikes and horses are prohibited and is well enforced. Hiking the trail in its entirety is difficult, even though there are 2 return loop trails.

"This trail is only for hiking, and you will need a NW National Forest permit fee. The trail is short, only about five miles. Although it's only for hiking, I did see some tire tracks on the trail. I didn't ride, I hiked it.

There is a snowshed that's neat and has a view stand at the tunnel portal. There is no barrier to walking the tunnel, but you will need lights, and there is a sign warning about possible falling concrete hazards, so walking the tunnel is at your own risk!"