Whitman County Libraries celebrate railroad history with exhibit

COLFAX — The Whitman County Library (WCL) is hosting a mixed exhibit of pictures and replica rail signs highlighting the present and past of the Palouse to Cascades Rail Trail from Easton to Tekoa Washington, which started Wednesday, Sept. 6, running through the end of the month in the Center located in Colfax.

In May of every year, approximately 120 horseback riders and wagons travel the trail from Eaton to Tekoa, ending with parades in both Rosalia and Tekoa.

The trail is the former home of the Chicago Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad and now is part of the Great American Rail Trail, including over 3,700 miles of trail from coast to coast.

The Rosalia Branch of WCL is celebrating a day of railroad history in conjunction with the exhibit, with a presentation in town on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. at the Rosalia Community Center, 106 Whitman Avenue.

The photo presentation will feature bridges that were part of the Milwaukee Road rail trail route across the state of Washington.

After the presentation, participants can caravan to hike to the iconic Rosalia concrete arch bridge on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail at about 2 p.m., traveling from downtown Rosalia to a nearby trail crossing.

Parking will be available at Thunderhawk Ranch, the crossing of Pine City-Malden Road, and the trail.

Strong shoes are recommended for those who participate in the hike due to a gravel surface. The hike is a one to two-mile roundtrip.