State Parks announces grand opening of Beverly Bridge

Restored bridge closes major gap in 285-mile Palouse to Cascades Trail

OLYMPIA – April 4, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to join community leaders, trail enthusiasts, public lands agencies and elected officials for the grand opening of the refurbished Beverly Bridge.

The dedication ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, April 8, rain or shine. Attendees are asked to park at the Huntzinger trailhead and walk to the Beverly Junction on the west side of the bridge. Shuttles are available for persons with mobility issues. A Park Ranger will be available onsite to assist. (Driving directions.) The program will last about 40 minutes and end with a ceremonial walk eastward across the bridge. Trail groups and local communities will host information tables. Bottled water and light snacks will be served.

“We are excited to celebrate this landmark trail connection and to gather together before we venture across this magnificent addition to our cross-state trail on its opening day,” said Parks region manager Scott Griffith. “The Beverly Bridge will be connecting cultures and communities and we are honored to add this to our vast and diverse State Park System.”

Attendees planning to arrive by bicycle from the east side may park at the Nunnally Lake Trailhead with a Discover Pass or WDFW vehicle access pass.

Horse riders with trailers, please contact Wanapum Recreation Area for special instructions. Please leave a message at (509) 968-5298.

Overnight camping is available at Wanapum Recreation Area on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees are asked to keep pets on leash and bring clothing for all weather. Drone photography will not be permitted, and there is no river access from the trail.

Additional event details are available on our website. The Washington State Parks Foundation will serve as a co-host for the event.

The Beverly Railroad Bridge received $5.575 million in capital funding appropriations as part of the 2019-21 capital budget. The bridge crosses the Columbia River and is 85 feet high with a total of 15 trusses. The railroad abandoned the line in 1980 and ownership was transferred to the state of Washington. In 1982, the bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places due to its historical significance related to westward expansion. A fire destroyed the bridge deck in 2014, making the bridge unsafe for passage.

News media contact:
Amanda McCarthy, Interim Communications Director
media@parks.wa.gov