Description of the Route

This segment of the route has had some drastic realignments in the years leading up to the completion of the floating bridge across Lake Washington in 1940. From the early years up to the 1930's you would have taken The Pacific Hwy and headed South to Renton Junction. From here you drove east toward Renton following the Northern Pacific Railroad and the Interurban Trolley lines.

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Renton Junction

In 1915 When the Sunset Highway was opened, you departed Seattle and headed south on the Pacific Highway. When you reached Tukwila you would have taken Macadam Road to Renton Junction. The original bridge cross the Green River is almost in the same spot as the new bridge on Southcenter Blvd. After crossing the river the Pacific Highway met the Sunset Highway while it continued south through the Green River Valley. 

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Issaquah Creek

The first wagon road between Issaquah and Preston was constructed in 1887. Known as King County Road #186, or the O.P. Stephenson Road, this early route began in Issaquah at the present-day intersection of W. Sunset Way and Newport Way NW. Here, it connected to the Gilman Road, built in 1864, which ran from Lake Sammamish south to the coal mines on Issaquah Creek, about three-quarters of a mile south of Sunset Way.

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Highpoint: A Forgotten Mill Town on Issaquah Creek

The town of Highpoint emerged from the thick forests and industrious ambitions of early settlers in King County, Washington, on the northern edge of Issaquah Creek. Roughly three miles east of the town of Issaquah, Highpoint flourished at the top of a demanding railroad grade on the North Bend branch of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Founded on the promise of lumber, it became a small but vibrant community that encapsulated the logging-driven growth typical of early 20th-century towns in the Pacific Northwest.

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Preston Mill Tramway

The Preston Mill Company operated from 1896 to 1990, with mills both at this site as well as Upper Preston, just upstream on the Raging River. The sawmill used a tramway to transport lumber to the railroad. Originally there was a wooden bridge over the tram, then in 1923 they built a concrete bridge. Today the Preston Mill is a county park.

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Preston History

Preston, Washington, is a small but historically significant town located about 50 miles east of Seattle and just six miles east of Issaquah. Nestled along the Raging River, Preston’s development was shaped by roads, railways, and industry, especially lumber milling. The town’s distinct upper and lower portions, with the latter along the riverbanks, reflect its early layout and the challenges posed by steep terrain and rugged surroundings. Preston’s evolution from a modest settlement in the 1880s to a close-knit community highlights its resilience and adaptability. Here is an overview of Preston’s rich history. 

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Between Preston and Fall City

The stretch of land between Preston and Fall City, Washington, showcases a rich history shaped by natural forces and human ingenuity. From Ice Age rivers to early American railroads, this area provides a fascinating glimpse into the geological transformations and industrial progress that have defined the region. Here’s a closer look at how this remarkable four-mile canyon evolved from its prehistoric origins to become a critical route for travelers and industry alike.

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Fall City

Fall City lies in the picturesque Snoqualmie River Valley, approximately three miles downstream from the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls. This small town takes its name from its proximity to the falls and it is believed that George Boham, the town’s first postmaster, chose the name in 1872 when he established the post office there. Originally known as “The Landing,” Fall City served as the head of navigation for canoes on the Snoqualmie River and had been used by the Snoqualmie Tribe for thousands of years.