Remote and little-known points of historical interest rank high on my list of places to explore. When these places also provide a free place to camp (typically boondock), I like them even better.
A free attraction combined with free camping makes for a low-cost weekend of getting out of the house and enjoying public land. One such place that has been on my radar for years, but hadn’t been marked off the list yet, was the old Boylston Tunnel and adjacent townsite (rail stop) of Boylston, Washington.
The old Boylston Tunnel. Photos by Dave Helgeson
The main reason I hadn’t been there yet was that it is set in the middle of the US Army’s Yakima Training Center. The only legal access to the site for civilians is via the old railroad bed which is a rails-to-trails conversion and part of the John Wayne Trail (aka Iron Horse Trail). This section of the trail is only open to hikers, bicycles, and horses.
Biking the trail
The distance between the nearest trailhead and the tunnel is just over 6 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 600 feet. Not only was the over 13-mile round trip to and from the tunnels discouraging enough, but the fact that the trail runs through desert scrub with no options to rest in the shade while traveling it kept it from rising to the top of the list.
So when I was offered the use of two electric pedal-assist bikes, discovered you could camp for free (with permission) at the trailhead, and with the promise of a few days of dry sunny spring weather, it went to the top of my to-do list.
Author in front of the tunnel
With written permission granted from the US Army and the bikes charged and loaded into the back of the truck, it was just a matter of driving to the trailhead, unloading the bikes and letting the bikes do most of the work buzzing us up the old railroad grade to the tunnel and old townsite. After exploring, it was just a matter of heading back and cooking dinner in the trailer.
Something I didn’t know in advance is that this section of trail is very sandy and it would have taken a lot of extra effort to hike or ride on conventional bikes.
I highly recommend PIM Bikes if you are getting older and enjoy bike riding, but your body isn’t quite up to the task any longer, or you are like me and like to visit quirky, out-of-the-way places where you can’t always drive a conventional motorized (gas-powered) vehicle.
Camping
Camping is allowed at the trailheads with prior written permission—item “3 h.” of the Yakima Training Center Policy Letter states:
This campsite photo was taken at the Kittitas trailhead where there are acres of available space to camp on.
“Trail users may camp at either the Kittitas or Doris Trailheads upon written pre-arranged approval by YTC Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office. Camping is not permitted elsewhere along the trail. Camping at these locations is restricted to individuals using the JWT.”
To obtain written permission call 509-577-3337. There are vault toilets at both trailheads, but no potable water.
You will find the west (Kittitas) trailhead off Boylston Road, the east (Doris) trailhead off Huntzinger Road.
Note: While there are no gates or signage keeping you from entering the tunnel, Washington State Parks and the Yakima Training Center consider the tunnel closed due to the potential of falling rock. A bypass trail is in place that takes you up and over the tunnel.
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
Sounds lovely! Is it possible to get there in an RV?
Sorry, you can’t get there via RV. As stated in the blog, the only way to the tunnel is via the old railroad bed on foot, horse or bicycle.
I spent 6 years at Ft Lewis, WA with many days and nights at Yakima Firing Range and never heard of or saw that tunnel. Maybe I’ll see it someday! There is a similar tunnel outside Williams AZ we used to off-road to until the landowner closed it down to us off-roaders. A few ruined it for the rest of us. So sad!!