Trip Report - Dryden to Fall City
By Curt Cunningham
February 23, 2016

After crossing Stevens Pass and heading east on highway 2, we arrived at the the intersection with US Highway 97 which is a section of the Yellowstone Trail as it veered south toward Blewett Pass between the towns of Dryden and Peshastin. This section of the trail follows the 1925 route of the Sunset Highway, a key part of early automobile travel in Washington state. The weather was ideal, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine. The morning started brisk, just above freezing, but by midday, temperatures had risen to a comfortable 55°F. The road was bare and dry, ensuring a smooth drive.

Our journey began along Campbell Road, a two-mile stretch of the original route. After rejoining the newer highway, we traveled another two miles before turning onto Old Blewett Road. This original segment reconnects with the new highway after about a mile. Just half a mile further along the newer road, we arrived at Ingalls Creek Road, another section of the old highway. We followed Ingalls Creek Road for about a mile until reaching the site of Brender’s Service Station and Park. Built in 1926, the service station once served as a key rest stop for travelers. A few years later, a campsite was added, but today, the property is a private residence.

After about another mile we reached the end of the road and the Ingalls Creek trailhead. The old Sunset Highway is gated at this point and from the gate, the original road continues uphill toward Blewett Pass. You can hike about a mile and a half along this abandoned stretch until you reach the site of a major landslide that buried the road. It was a very scenic hike and the views are spectacular.

Back on the newer highway, we continued south and spotted one of the original hand-made bridge abutments, constructed from large bricks. We soon arrived at the ghost town of Blewett, but snow still covered the ground, preventing us from stopping to explore. Further along, the old road briefly reconnects with the new highway. In 1956, a modern highway was constructed over Swauk Pass, bypassing the winding roads of the original route. The pass was officially renamed Blewett Pass in 1992, and the old pass is now referred to as "Old Blewett Pass."

Crossing over Swauk Pass, we descended toward Cle Elum. At the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 970 lies the site of Virden, another ghost town from Washington's past. Though nothing remains of Virden today, it was once an important stop along the route. Here, the old highway turns right, following Swauk Prairie Road, which remains unpaved. The views along this stretch were breathtaking. As we approached Cle Elum, we paused to take photos and spotted a large herd of deer grazing in a pasture.

Upon arriving in Cle Elum, we refueled and grabbed refreshments. To make up time, we jumped on the interstate to Easton. At Easton State Park, we attempted to drive along the old road up to the switchback, but the snow blocked our way. Looks like we’ll have to wait until spring to explore this part.

Back on the interstate, we headed toward Snoqualmie Pass. The original road along the shoreline of Lake Keechelus was narrow and rugged, with steep hillsides that made grading a challenge for early road builders. The state is currently widening the interstate in this area, and in the process, much of the old road, along with the site of the historic Sunset Lodge, has been erased.

At Snoqualmie Pass, the snow was deep, but the road was clear. We took a brief detour onto Yellowstone Road, which is a preserved section of the original highway. After snapping a few more photos, we attempted to drive down the old highway on the west side of the pass, but it was closed due to snow—likely over ten feet deep. We returned to the interstate and continued on. At North Bend, we exited and followed the old highway downhill into Fall City.

It was a fantastic drive, free of any problems. We're eagerly anticipating more exploration once the snow melts and spring arrives.