Exploration Idea: Washington State’s Deadliest Natural Disaster
Once the area is snow free, here is an idea for a historical area to explore.
When you think of deadly disasters in Washington state, the first thought to come to mind is the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens where over 60 people died. Believe it or not, this was not the highest loss of life natural distaster in Washington states history.
The worst disaster occurred 97 years ago on March 1, 1910. On that winter day, an avalanche came down Windy Mountain near Stevens Pass and swept two Great Northern trains off their tracks and claimed 96 lives. Only 18 people survived the disaster. This little publicized incident is known as “Wellington Disaster” (named after the nearby town of Wellington, Washington, GPS Coordinates 47°44′58″N, 121°07′10″W ).
The existing railroad grade has since been converted into a hiking trail known as the Iron Goat Trail allowing Northwest explorers to visit the area.
There are many information resources regarding this disaster, including The Wellington Avalanche, HistoryLink.org, Evening Magazine and The White Cascade: The Great Northern Railway Disaster and America’s Deadliest Avalanche
Let me know if you’ve been there in the past or get the opportunity to check the area out.