Every time I think I've seen the tallest and longest logging railroad trestle ever built of wood, I find another one to stretch our imagination. The following photo, likely taken in the early 1900's, shows a trestle built at Robinson's Camp in Clallam County near Port Angeles. Robinson Logging Company operated in the area between 1898 and 1914 and at the time, held the record for longest (804') and highest (204') trestle structure as it crossed Charlie Creek.
Photo courtesy University of Washington Libraries, UW11895, Axtell photographer, n.d.
This trestle has two design differences I've not seen or noticed before. Look at how wide the base structure is. it could easily be 50' or wider. Also notice that the trestle has a curve in it. Most curious. This would take some engineering and slow locomotive speeds to navigate across the span. Not much of a shoulder either. Best not to be afraid of heights.
I shared your picture with a friend with family that has a logging history out toward the bridge. They said the engineer would set the train in motion and then jump off. Someone else would jump aboard on the other side and take the controls. The bridge supposedly swayed a lot!
Posted by: John Anderson | 07/23/2017 at 08:32 PM
Thanks John - amazing!
Posted by: Craig Goodwin | 07/25/2017 at 04:04 PM