Holcomb Creek Trestle at Valle Vista
Holcomb Creek Trestle at Valle Vista
Derailment near the longest operational wooden trestle train track in the U.S.
Derailment near the longest operational wooden trestle train track in the U.S.
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Holcomb Creek Trestle in summer
Valle Vista is a collection of hobby farms north of Beaverton. It survives on WashCo maps because of a short-lived rail station on the United Railways train line connecting Portland to Wilkesboro via Linton. I visit all the time because it's the perfect confluence of sights for a wannabe travel writer, cycling enthusiast, and armchair train aficionado.
On a road map, the area appears to be just a short loop on the north side of Phillips Road. Topography ruins everything: Holcomb Creek forms a deep, narrow valley. Transportation engineers need to navigate the elevation drop.
For cars (and bicycles), the solution was to follow the creek then climb 150ft up in a quarter mile along Dick Road (named after a pioneer family that settled in the area). Of all the riding I've done in the area, this short sprint is the highest grade of paved road I regularly tackle (13-15%).
In bike racing, A short, steep sprint is often called a "kicker". The local cycling community has a special name for this climb.
For one quarter mile, I wish my road bike had lower gearing and I discover the sensation that I'd be faster if I got off and walked to the top.
When United Railways built the rail line in the 1900's, they took a different tack. The right of way needed climb from North Plains to Cornelius Pass (really, the tunnel under it) without ever exceeding a 2% grade. A 150 foot drop then climb was not an option so they built an 1100ft wooden bridge.
The rail is still used (now by Southern Pacific) making it the longest operational wooden trestle in the U.S. It even has its own Wikipedia page.
I have been desparate to capture footage of a train going over the trestle. As far as I know, SP doesn't publicise their schedule. I got close one time. I was biking near Roy with the train stopped across the tracks. As it started rolling, I took off toward Valle Vista, hoping to beat it to the bridge. I won, but only because the train derailed in North Plains.
The train stopped at Roy, shortly before derailing at the North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival
The route at the bottom follows my path as I tried to outrun the train.
The east side of the Valle Vista loop is a much gentler climb (but still pretty steep). The road and rail intersect at ground level. This was the old train stop position.
The old rail stop at Valley Vista Rd. Looking west, the trestle isn't visible but about 1000ft down track.
The route at the bottom follows my path as I tried to outrun the train.
The east side of the Valle Vista loop is a much gentler climb (but still pretty steep). The road and rail intersect at ground level. This was the old train stop position.
The whole loop is covered in small farms. I've got a lot of photos. I prefer to focus on the trestle.
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