SKAGIT RIVER RAILWAY
Seattle City Light's Dam Railroad

"it may not be as long as others but it is just as wide"
Description of the Skagit River Railway made by Seattle
Mayor Edwin J. Brown (1926-1928)

Another Skagit Tour gets ready to depart Rockport in the late 1930's or early 1940's. Union 76 postcard.

Built in 1920 as a temporary construction railroad, the Skagit River Railway wound up lasting for 34 years until abandonment in 1954. Operated by Seattle City Light, the purpose of the railroad was to transport men and materials during the construction of the hydro-electric facilities on the Skagit River in Skagit and Whatcom Counties in Washington State. The development took place in stages with the Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Dams being constructed. The railroad was unique in its early use of gasoline locomotives and railcars with their lower operating costs. Steam, diesel, and electric locomotives were also used and with the construction of Ross Dam freight cars also traveled on barges on Diablo Lake. Another unique feature of the Skagit Project in the 20's to 40's was the two day Skagit Tours where visitors traveled to the upper Skagit to view its beauty and power. While all this construction was going on the railway still found time to haul timber and mineral products from adjacent property owners. A more unique railroad would be hard to be find.

More information:

A History of the Skagit River Railway

Images:

The "Toonerville Trolley"
Drawing of Gasoline Railcar #3
Devils Elbow Bridge
The Incline Railway
Baldwin 2-6-2 No. 6
Brill Model 55 Railcar #4
Electric Motor #89
Electric Locomotive #300
SRRy. Electric Locomotive #1627 and Ross Powerhouse Contractors Electric Locomotive #2801
Four ex-Oregon Electric Passenger Cars
Diablo Dam
Barge with two Great Northern Boxcars


WANTED - PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION

I am currently researching and writing a detailed account of the Skagit River Railway to be published as a book in the near future. As with any project of this size and magnitude I am after photos and information. If you have any photos or know of sources I would be greatly interested. You can reach me at railsnw@worldnet.att.net .

Thanks for your interest,

Richard Wilkens
August 26, 2000