Palouse to Cascades Trail Coalition
Our Mission
The mission of the Palouse to Cascades Trail Coalition is to promote the development and use of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, including any connecting trails that benefit this trail. We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization registered as a charitable organization in the State of Washington.
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Developing a Nationally Famous Rail Trail
The PTCT Coalition works on developing the Palouse to Cascades Trail on many fronts. The PTCT is owned and managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. We work closely with State Parks establishing priorities for development, working with local communities and developing plans. At 289 miles long, the PTCT is the longest rail trail in the United States. It travels from the wheat fields of the Palouse at the Idaho border to the western foothills of the Cascades near Seattle. The variety of landscapes, incredible trestles and tunnels, and remoteness together create a unique and dramatic trail experience.
OUR ACTIVITIES
The PTCT Coalition hosting the Rails to Trails Conservancy announcement of the Great American Rail Trail at South Cle Elum
Advocating & Fundraising
The PTCT Coalition participates in a number of Washington trails conference and events. We regularly provide presentations to user groups, public agencies, other nonprofits and the public. We are an advocate organization and have 16 Organization Members of the Coalition that work with us on advocacy at all levels of government. The development funding for State Parks comes from the Washington Legislature and we work with our partners and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition to advocate for both capital and operating funds.
Creating and Maintaining Trail Information
The PTCT Coalition strives to provide the most current information on the status of the PTCT as well as information visitors can use for planning. We provide detailed maps, trail distances, services available and local information both on our website as well as in kiosk along the PTCT. We maintain a Facebook page and an email address (PTCTCoalition@gmail.com) which allows answering questions from the public.
The kiosk graphics at the Renslow trailhead
A tent pad installed at the Ralston community park
Developing Trail Resources
Many visitors to the PTCT go out for a walk or short bike ride including passing through the 2.3-mile-long Snoqualmie Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a rail trail in the United States. But there many who also set out to travel the entire 289-mile length of the PTCT. These travelers need water, food, and if not an accommodation, a place to pitch their tent. Oh, and WIFI or at least cell service. In contrast, one of the attractions of the PTCT is that it is distant from the density of people. That means that there are few places with water, food, and accommodations along the PTCT. We are working with local communities to try and develop more resources for travelers and at the same time help the local economies.
Please consider donating to support our efforts.
OUR BOARD
Dedicated to the Trail
Fred Wert
Fred Wert is the Chair of the PTCT Coalition and author of Washington's Rail Trails.
Tom Short - in memorium
Tom Short passed away on 12/25/22. He was the President of the John Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders and made huge contributions to the development of the PTCT.
Jim O'Hare
Jim O'Hare is secretary of the PTCT Coalition. He is the President of the Spokane Bicycle Club and an active cyclist.
Mark Borleske
Mark Borleske is the Vice Chair of the Cascade Rail Foundation. He is a noted Milwaukee Road railroad historian.
Bob Morris
Bob Morris is treasurer of the Coalition and a Board member of the Pullman Civic Trust
Working Together
Financial Supporters
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Our board members are dedicated to the improvement and development of the trail. We are always looking for others interested in joining our team as well. New members may be nominated and elected by the Board at any time. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering or joining our team.