This railroad museum we didn’t just run into, but found on the maps and in the guidebook. Near the end of our recent summer vacation, we decided to stop on our way back toward Seattle to see Snoqualmie Falls in WA (http://snoqualmiefalls.com/). It is an impressive cataract, higher than Niagara. The viewpoint park was under reconstruction so we could not quite see it to best advantage. In addition, the water was lower in August, so it did not show the power it would have in the spring. But it still was very impressive.
On our way out to the falls, there were two tracks of old railroad equipment collected by the museum there, including numerous engines. So JoAnne hung out at the falls park while I returned to the train museum. A few pieces had been restored. Many others were awaiting attention. One of the most unique engines, in my view, was parked in the back where it could not be seen very well. It was a large tank engine. One usually thinks of tank engines as being smaller. However, the curator at the museum answered that in the West larger tank engines were not that uncommon. Near the museum grounds was an example of the logs that where originally cut there. As you can see from the picture, it was huge. You would think it was a redwood but it was not, it was just a big spruce.
The depot itself was impressive and very well preserved. Behind it was an old building, originally a lodge building, currently holding a restaurant/bar. It had been preserved too and was fascinating inside. I had a glass of Snoqualmie Root Beer on-tap there. There was a mount of a mountain lion in the corner and a chromed wood stove. The old bar still had water running in the trough spittoon at its base. I could only imagine how gross it must have been when that was actually in use.
