Near Skykomish in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Twin Tunnels Bored Through Granite

Iron Goat Trail

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2015

1. Twin Tunnels Bored Through Granite Marker

Inscription.
The twin tunnels were built in 1916 by blasting through solid granite rock. To protect the trains from falling pieces of granite, which is easily cracked by temperature extremes of freezing and thawing, a timber lining was constructed inside the tunnels. You can still see the remains of this lining today. To protect that portion of the track not covered, a wooden snowshed was built between the concrete arch and this twin tunnel portal.

The twin tunnels have a combined covered length of 2,057 feet. Today, the remains of the rotting timber lining and falling rocks make the tunnel extremely dangerous. Please, for your own safety, keep out.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 47° 43.119′ N, 121° 10.945′ W. Marker is near Skykomish, Washington, in King County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Stevens Pass Highway (U.S. 2) and Old Cascade Highway, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located on the Iron Goat Trail, near the 1916 tunnel entrance, about one mile west of the Iron Goat Trailhead just north of US Highway 2. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Skykomish WA 98288, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the

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crow flies. A Route Still in Use (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Snowsheds Protected the Railway (approx. 0.6 miles away); Snowsheds Needed Solid Support (approx. 0.9 miles away); Early Skykomish (approx. 8.3 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Iron Goat Trail

Also see . . . Iron Goat Trail. The railroad was built by 800 workers — many of them Japanese immigrants — who laid the train tracks across the Cascades through Stevens Pass. There are several old tunnels with trails going up to the opening, and collapsed timbers that once were protection from the snow. Note the dates stamped in the concrete at the entrance of the tunnels. The new Cascade Tunnel was opened in 1929 and this old grade was abandoned. (Submitted on September 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2015

2. Twin Tunnels Bored Through Granite Marker

(marker visible at end of trail, just inside east tunnel)

East Tunnel Portal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2015

3. East Tunnel Portal

(looking west from Iron Goat Trail • “1916” date inscribed on left)

Wooden Snowshed Ruins & West Tunnel Portal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2015

4. Wooden Snowshed Ruins & West Tunnel Portal

(looking west from marker)

East Tunnel Exit & Iron Goat Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2015

5. East Tunnel Exit & Iron Goat Trail

(looking east from marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.