Image courtesy Washington State Historical Society, 2001.0.158.37, circa 1888
The above photo of the Stampede Pass West Portal is one of the better images I have found from this period. It captures the switchbacks and west portal tunnel entrance during those frenetic final days before the tunnel finally opened. As previously noted, switchbacks were constructed as a backup plan in the event tunnel completion faltered. Without operable passage across the pass by 1889, the Northern Pacific faced the prospect of losing many thousands of acres of land grants and pushing company investors into a fatal bankruptcy. As it turned out, the tunnel was completed before year end 1888 with the first train making it across in 1889.
As you drive across Snoqualmie Pass today, note the exit sign for Camp Creek. The small stream in the photo above paralleling the rail track is Camp Creek. The above photo also shows a water flume coming down the hill. Was this used to transport lumber to the construction site or alternatively supply water for a water tank needed to supply steam locomotives? Lots of lumber and log stacked up alongside the track. Pretty amazing time considering that the tunnel and rail bed continue in use to this day.
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