South Cle Elum, Washington — Railroad Built a Second Town Across the River

Cle Elum already existed when the Milwaukee Road arrived in the upper Kittitas Valley.

Instead of placing its major facilities in the older town, the railroad built yards, shops and worker housing south of the Yakima River.

A second town grew around the payroll.

South Cle Elum's identity became directly tied to the Milwaukee Road, with families living near the depot and roundhouse.

The railroad eventually abandoned its western operations.

Its physical footprint survived unusually well.

The historic depot and rail yard became part of the state park and trail system, preserving the reason South Cle Elum existed separately in the first place.

The company left.

Its town stayed on the map.