description Stampede Tunnel Overview
The Stampede Tunnel is a railroad tunnel completed in 1888 through Stampede Pass in Washington State's Cascade Mountains. Constructed for the Northern Pacific Railway, the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) tunnel provided a crucial year-round transportation route across the mountain range, replacing earlier routes that were impassable during heavy snowfall. The tunnel remains in use today as part of the BNSF Railway main line, though it was eventually supplemented by the nearby 9-mile Snoqualmie Pass tunnel, which provided a more direct route through the Cascades.
help Stampede Tunnel FAQ
What kind of tunnel is the Stampede Tunnel?
The Stampede Tunnel is a railroad tunnel beneath Stampede Pass in Washington State's Cascade Mountains. It was built for the Northern Pacific Railway as a year-round route between Puget Sound and eastern Washington.
When was the Stampede Tunnel completed?
The tunnel was completed and opened in 1888, with the official opening recorded on May 27. Construction took about 28 months after work began in February 1886.
How long is the Stampede Tunnel?
The original tunnel is about 1.8 miles long, or roughly 2.9 kilometers. At the time it was completed, it was among the longest railroad tunnels in the United States.
Why was the Stampede Tunnel important to the Northern Pacific Railway?
Before the tunnel, trains had to use difficult switchbacks over Stampede Pass, including steep grades and snow sheds. The tunnel created a more direct and dependable rail crossing through the Cascades.
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