Washington State Parks interpretive specialists are wrapping up the design work for ordering 19 interpretive signs for the South Cle Elum Rail Yard Interpretive Trail. These new signs will replace the worn and faded ones currently in the rail yard, which have served us for nearly two decades. The worn out condition of the signs can be seen in the photo of the substation sign below.
Substation interpretive sign
The interpretive trail through the rail yard highlights the history of the Milwaukee Road in Cle Elum, from construction and opening in 1909 through abandonment in 1980 and into the 21st Century as the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The interpretive trail is also a way to explore the railyard and learn more of Milwaukee Road heritage as a self-guided tour. This serves visitors even at times when the depot is closed and no docent is available. A map of the trail can be seen below.
Installation of the replacement signs is expected in Spring 2025.
South Cle Elum Rail Yard Interpretive Trail Map
