The Road to Nowhere: Seattle’s Neglected Gateway to the Interior

THE SNOQUALMIE ROAD.

There is more travel this year from Yakima and Walla Walla, by way of the Snoqualmie Pass, than in any previous season, notwithstanding the fact that our famous but never completed Snoqualmie road is now in a worse state of neglect than at any period since it was opened. All comers with singular unanimity unite in the same strain of objurgation against the condition of the road, and in saying that if they had a good road Seattle would get the lion's share of the trade of an extensive, rich, and fast growing country.

It is time that some active measures were being taken in this important matter. The interests of the people of both sections require that the Snoqualmie Pass be opened to travel and trade. Parties with whom we have lately conversed say that the worst difficulty on the route is the marsh at the summit, three miles in extent. This is a spongy bed of moss and peat overlying a lake of water—the source of the Yakima, Snoqualmie and Cedar rivers—in which horses and cattle often mire almost out of sight.

It could be corduroyed or bridged at a moderate expense, as timber and all material is convenient and abundant. Another necessary improvement is upon the shore of Lake Kitchelias, just across the summit, at a certain point where the bank is abrupt and steep, and stock often slip off into the lake, and are drowned. One party just across reports the loss, at this point, of a valuable horse laden with 230 pounds of butter.

It is said that $200 would effectually remove this danger, and enable the journey to be made with safety. In addition there are places on both sides to cut out fallen logs, remove boulders and debris and improve the grades where the winter rains have cut and washed them away.

A few thousand dollars expended sufficiently in this way would pay well. If it cannot be done by contributions or appropriation, for which we see no very flattering prospects at present, it would be better to have a toll-road than none at all. Those who have occasion to use it would cheerfully pay a moderate toll for the benefit, and as the amount of business would be increased, it might not be unremunerative.

At least a temporary charter might be given to individuals for a toll-bridge at the summit, in consideration for building such a convenience, and private capital thus be enlisted to assist in the undertaking. As we cannot get the S.W.P. railroad across there this year, nor, is it likely during the next year either, it stands us in stead to attend to immediate requirements. We must be ready to meet the exigencies of the present. We want to get the channel broken for the commerce of that country in advance for the railroad, or it is likely to break channels for itself elsewhere. It is not wise to let it get the start of us, for, progress, like time and tide, waits for no man.