Southern Railway's famous Rathole Division had nothing on the former SP&S mainline along the Columbia River in Washington state. Here BNSF 5755 rolls a loaded coal train through Jackson Tunnel, the second of five tunnels in 3 miles just west of Lyle, WA. In a few car lengths the train will duck into Tunnel 9, Woldson's Tunnel, with 8 more tunnels to go before arriving in Vancouver, WA. One advantage the line has over the Rathole is the water level route.
The famed natural aspect of the Pacific Northwest has drawn tourists and railfans alike from all over the world. This photo compilation showcases the sections where rails meet water between Washougal, WA/Troutdale, OR and Plymouth, WA/Boardman, OR.
