Palouse to Cascades Trail Storm Damage Repairs
Project summary
Following a significant atmospheric river event in December 2025, State Parks was forced to close a section of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail from the Olallie Trail (four miles east of the Cedar Falls Trailhead) to approximately the Homestead Valley Trailhead and from .5 miles west of the Carter Creek Campground to the west side of the Snoqualmie Tunnel. The storm caused significant damage in two areas that made the trail unstable and impassable. With no viable road or trail detour options available, this event effectively eliminated any through access along this section of the PTCT.
- Location: Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail West
- Estimated start date: December 2025
The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail sustained serious damage – the washout just west of the Homestead Valley Trailhead is approximately 85 feet long and between 35-50 feet deep.
This section of trail has no viable road or trail detour options available. While this section is closed, there will not be any through access.
What are we doing now: short-term
We are working with our partners on the steps necessary to begin construction on a temporary bypass trail for the damage and closure area just west of the Homestead Valley Trailhead to reconnect and restore pedestrian and bicycle access.
We tentatively plan to complete the detour in 2026, weather and other variables permitting.
It is important to note: this temporary bypass trail could be in place for years until a long-term fix is constructed.
Large trail events
Though the bypass trail will restore access, it will still be a temporary trail with more limited capacity than the original PTCT.
State Parks staff will work with annual large trail event hosts to find alternatives for their events.
What are we doing now: long-term
While we work on the temporary bypass trail, we are simultaneously looking at funding and implementation options for a long-term permanent fix that would repair the washouts and restore the PTCT in its former location. This would include restoring the trail’s width, surfacing and full trail capacity.
We do not have a target date for the permanent fix at this point, though we anticipate this project will not be completed this biennium.
Public safety
For your safety and the safety of our staff and first responders, please respect the closures we have in place. The edges of the trail around the washout remain unstable and could worsen through the spring storm season.
Please do not use trails from other trail systems to reach or bypass the closure areas.
The best thing you can do to support State Parks and the PTCT during this time be safe, plan ahead and spread the word:
- Check parks.wa.gov for trail maps, closure areas and updates before you visit.
- Know where you can enter, exit and rejoin the trail – and plan accordingly.
- Let your fellow trail enthusiasts know what’s happening and where they can also stay informed.
- Respect the closures! We want to stay focused on getting a temporary bypass in place, so we appreciate your cooperation.
Project history
The Palouse to Cascades Trail is built on the remnants of the Chicago, St Paul & Milwaukee Railroad, often referred to as the “Milwaukee Road.”
Construction crews used temporary narrow-gauge railroads to transport building materials such as sand and gravel mined from ice age glacial deposits along the route to construction sites.
Service on the line began in May 1909, utilizing a temporary route over Snoqualmie Pass until completion of the 2.2-mile-long Snoqualmie Tunnel in 1915.
Read more about the history of the Palouse to Cascades Trail here.