Ring of Fire (Olympics)

In 1961, a movie called "Ring of Fire" was filmed in both Oregon and Washington. In a particularly exciting set piece, a giant burning railroad trestle collapses while a train is crossing it. This scene was shot using an abandoned logging trestle over a narrow gorge carved by the Wynoochee River. In a dramatic proof of gravity, a 60-ton steam locomotive and two passenger cars made a sudden and rather terminal descent to crash into the river below. After the filming, efforts were made clean up the area, but, apparently, the river was too deep and the train too heavy to remove. So... they're still there. The engine lies upside-down, mostly underwater. In summer, when flow on the river is low, you can see the wheels protruding above the water. The rusting passenger cars are nearby, leaning, in a giant crazy pile, against the canyon wall. Today, the train wreck forms an interesting destination for a short hike. There are at least two user trails and a bunch of sketchy fixed ropes (hand lines) that provide access from the rim to the bottom of the canyon. The wreck seems to be visited fairly frequently. This is not a serious canyon destination, but it's an interesting place to visit if you're in the area. Takes maybe an hour or so. (Longer if you have to park out at the gate.)

Turn off the Wynoochee River Road (FR 2270) about 4.5mi south of FR22 (road leading to the Wynoochee Dam). Follow the old RR grade (now road) in about 2mi. Find a place to park off the road. Follow the obvious user trails down to the wreck.

WARNING - Use extreme caution on the fixed ropes, especially if conditions are wet, icy, snowy, muddy, etc. There are a number of cliffs, drop-offs, and other places where slipping / falling / going for a tumble would be Really Bad (aka serious injury or death). There is nothing to stop you from going over the edge. It's probably better to visit the wreck on a dry day. You may even want to bring your own ropes & gear to descend; it would be a lot safer.