Banks Vernonia Linear Trail

This trail was the first "rails to trails" in Oregon.   The railroad was originally built in the 1920's to service the lumber mill in Vernonia.  The mill closed in 1957, but the line wasn't abandoned until the 1960's.  After that, the state began purchasing right-of-way and trail building began in 1991.  The trail is presently 21 miles each way.

Most of the trail looks like this:

An old Farmall along the way.

An old trestle a few miles from Buxton.

At the Vernonia end of the trail, there is a little lake once used by the mill.  We also found a cafe in town for a mid-ride break.  Wow, nothing says Summer quite like fresh strawberry shortcake. 

Vernonia Lake

Next to the lake was this building, apparently it was used to store fuel for the mill.  Looks plain enough on the outside. 

A real gem inside.  

Not your average graffiti.

Here is another site that is definitely not in the brochure.

What could go wrong here?

That's all for now.