Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central: Through Mountain Valleys and Historic Railroad Towns

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central showcases Washington’s dramatic landscape transition, carrying visitors 107 miles from mountain forests through historic railroad towns to the sweeping shrub-steppe country of eastern Washington. This central section runs from the Snoqualmie Tunnel east through Ellensburg, across the recently renovated Beverly Bridge over the Columbia River, and ends at Royal City Cut-off, offering the perfect blend of railroad heritage, diverse ecosystems, and Columbia River crossings that define the heart of the cross-state trail experience.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central Fast Facts

Park Overview

The Central section represents the transitional heart of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, where visitors experience Washington’s incredible geographic diversity as the trail descends from alpine lake country through the Upper Yakima River Canyon into the Columbia Basin’s shrub-steppe landscape. Beginning at the famous Snoqualmie Tunnel, this section showcases the engineering marvels of the historic Milwaukee Road while traversing some of the state’s most scenic and historically significant terrain.

This 107-mile journey takes travelers past pristine mountain lakes including Keechelus and Easton, through charming railroad towns like South Cle Elum with its preserved depot and museum, and across the dramatic Beverly Bridge spanning the Columbia River. The trail passes through the U.S. Army Yakima Training Center, offering rare public access to pristine shrub-steppe habitat where visitors can observe sage grouse and other wildlife species found nowhere else in the state.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

The Central section offers varied facilities reflecting its diverse landscapes and historic significance. The South Cle Elum Depot houses a museum showcasing Milwaukee Road history and can be toured by calling (509) 856-4121. Modern restroom facilities and water are available at multiple trailheads including Hyak, Easton, South Cle Elum, and Army access points. The renovated Beverly Bridge provides spectacular Columbia River views and represents a major trail connection achievement. Vault toilets are strategically placed along the trail corridor, though water sources become limited in eastern sections. The U.S. Army Yakima Training Center requires registration at kiosks for the free permit needed to traverse this 20.6-mile section.

Camping & Accommodations

Primitive first-come, first-served camping is available at Cold Creek, Roaring Creek, and Ponderosa Pines campgrounds, each offering three to four campsites with picnic tables and vault toilets accessible only by foot or bicycle. For full-service camping, Lake Easton State Park provides 90 standard sites and 45 utility hookups with reservations available May 15 through September 15. Wanapum Recreation Area near the Beverly Bridge offers 50 utility hookup sites and watercraft access. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at Beverly Dunes OHV Area and Lenice Lake, though visitors must come prepared with water. Additional U.S. Forest Service campgrounds including Tinkham, Denny Creek, and Lake Kachess provide mountain camping options near the western portion.

Planning Your Visit

The Central section requires more planning than typical day hikes due to its length and remote sections. The Army West to Army East portion mandates free permits available at trailhead kiosks, while the Beverly Bridge represents a major milestone reopened in April 2022 after $5.5 million in renovations. Multiple access points allow for day hiking or section hiking, with Ellensburg serving as an excellent resupply point for long-distance travelers. S

pring through fall provides optimal conditions, though winter cross-country skiing is popular near Keechelus Lake. Rock climbers should note that Vantage offers over 700 climbing routes but requires understanding of climbing safety and regulations. To learn about the West section of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail follow this link. For information on the East section click here.

What to Bring & Know

• Free Army permit registration required at kiosks for Yakima Training Center section
• Water treatment supplies essential as reliable sources become limited eastward from Lake Easton
• Current weather conditions for Beverly Bridge, as Columbia River winds can be significant
• Historical depot tour information, with South Cle Elum Depot requiring advance scheduling
• Climbing gear and permits if accessing Vantage area routes

Final Word

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central delivers an unmatched journey through Washington’s heartland, combining railroad history, diverse ecosystems, and the triumph of the Beverly Bridge crossing to create the defining section of America’s longest rail trail.

This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.