Tommy Thompson Rail-Trestle Trail

USA / Washington / Anacortes /
 rail-trail, interesting place, railway bridge
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Rail to Trail conversion. This former Burlington Northern railway was paved and opened to the public in 2005. It is named after the late Tommy Thompson, a narrow gauge railway creator who dreamed of running his train along the Fidalgo Island shoreline. Parts of his narrow gauge track can still be seen in parts of the trail. The trail begins by the marina in Anacortes and parallels a busy street for the first half mile. The businesses in this area have attempted to make the route more enjoyable by placing murals on the back of their businesses. The trail then goes slightly down hill through the back yard of an industrial area with less than ideal views. After this, you are rewarded with a trail that hugs the shoreline with expansive views to Mount Baker and the sparkling water of Fidalgo Bay. The highlight of the trail is the 3/4-mile-long former railway trestle spanning the bay. The end of the trestle brings you to the turnaround point.

Part of the trestle was burned in October 2009 in a fire of mysterious origin, but seven months later repairs were completed and the trestle has reopened.

www.activetrails.com/trail.cfm/1080/Tommy-Thompson-Park...
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Coordinates:   48°28'46"N   122°34'53"W

Comments

  • The trail was completed across the trestle in 2007. It's a beautiful walk across Fidalgo Bay.
This article was last modified 15 years ago