Exploring the World's Largest Wooden Trestle

Did some exploring in some railroad tunnels and the world's largest wooden trestle. Checked out the collapses on both sides of Tunnel 15, nicknamed the Tunnel to Nowhere. Built in 1933, at 200 feet tall and 700 feet long this is the world's largest all wood trestle. Enjoy!

[@peterharvey6527]

A long hike to show me parts of the USA I could never visit myself. Scenery was amazing. Water tank was fascinating and the tunnel construction close ups really demonstrated the craftsmanship of the people that built them. Those failing timbers were a sight to see and the collapse. I think your description of the bridge as magnificent just about summed it up. Thanks for the effort that you put in to show us this beautiful bridge and the area it is located in.

[@chrisackerley1842]

The SD&AE operated until September 23, 1977, when Hurricane Kathleen wiped out several miles of the line outside Ocotillo. The line was marginal at that point. The track and trestles were so old they could only run small trains, made up of smaller freight cars. There was simply not enough capital to rebuild. The nice thing is the railroad museum at Campo runs an occasional excursion train to Jacumba. Many years ago, when I was a young man, I found a railroad workers' shelter built among the boulders a few miles West of Jacumba. Inside the shelter was a primitive wood stove and a kerosene lantern with a red lens.

[@jordanoneill82]

when exploring the abandoned railways of australia i kept stumbling across hand built shacks. judging by the hand hewn timber and tin roofing i'd say they were probably the same thing!

[@r.addisonarthur9392]

Thanks for the adventure! Quite an effort, but well worth it. That green pack of Luckies is pre WW2. They changed to red ink on the packs because green paint and ink was needed by the army for just about everything, so that was a rare find and pre-war artifact. Just think of all the labor that went into building that amazing trestle! Cool stuff, dude!

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Great job, fantastic shots! Thank you so much!!

[@hokepoke3540]

Wish my old legs could still walk that far, now it is hard to get out of my recliner. Thanks for taking me on a nice hike. Please keep on walking.

[@PlanetMojo]

What an awesome place! Great job WMT!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks alot! Glad you enjoyed this one, I'd love to head back out there, especially with my new equipment

[@PlanetMojo]

@@WesternMineDetective If you do, I'll watch. Keep up the good work WMD!

[@gingerbread6614]

Thank you for taking us along.

[@alanbellkey4592]

That is so cool I appreciate it I hope there’s another video coming out of that tunnel on the other side of the Trussell :-) That is beautiful country I have loved all of your videos so far keep up the good work!

[@davebeckley2584]

There's a lot of work involved in building a wood bridge that size. The builders utilize the same technics used to build roller coaster trestles. Wood is the preferred material to build these types of structures instead of metal since it can absorb more stress and return to its original shape, it doesn't corrode, and it's cheaper. Did you find a Lucky Strike green cigarette pack in another mine recently? If it was you that's quite a coincidence. That cigarette pack can be dated at least to pre-WW II since it was the military that needed the green dye for paint and camouflage. Their ad campaign was, "Lucky Strike goes to war," to explain the change in package color. What is really amazing is the fact that some butt-brained low life hasn't set fire to that trestle, yet. Thanks for the video, pretty cool.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Most definitely a lot of work! I couldn't imagine building something of this magnitude, really blows my mind. And yeah, I found a green Lucky Strike pack two videos ago I believe. Right next to an old wheelbarrow. Really appreciate you commenting and sharing this info! Thanks for watching

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

What an incredible adventure! Thank you so much for editing so well and then sharing this video.

[@jbrobertson6052]

This is my first time watching one of your videos just down the road from me is a wooden trestle call The kinsol Trestle it's a little bit smaller then the one you show here it's on Vancouver island in Shawnigan Lake which is in the Cowichan Valley. It was Built in 1911it's 44 m (144 ft) high and 188 m (617 ft) long, making it the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth of Nations and one of the highest railway trestles in the world. They were going to tear it down but they rebuilt it a few years ago now it's a big tourist attraction. We used to crawl through that thing when we were kids if you Google it there's a lot of information about it. I can throw a rock and almost hit it from my house

[@donnebes9421]

That was a incredible video. The trestle, tunnels and mountain scenery were awesome. Thanks for uploading this I really enjoyed it. Subbed.

[@marycarricaburu3683]

Thank you so much for the Trestle tour. We really appreciated it.

[@WesternMineDetective]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@thavvolf9157]

The water tank is part of the fire suppression system for the trestle bridge so as the train traversed the bridge the water prevented the brakes from causing a fire.

[@ExploringWithBonnie13]

Great video. Beautiful views. I love tunnels like this. Amazing work.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thank you! This is one of my favorite spots of all time it's truly surreal getting to that trestle. Something happened when I edited the video and it made both the audio and video kinda wonky, but I guess people haven't really noticed. Appreciate the support!

[@ExploringWithBonnie13]

@@WesternMineDetective always willing to help support others since I am new at this and feel that we should stick together.

[@WesternMineDetective]

@@ExploringWithBonnie13 Yeah that's true, I'm a noob at this haha

[@alidycepaisley3829]

I was thinking, "Someone should really bring a drone and fly it into that tunnel to nowhere, see what's inside". Dude hikes across treacherous terrain over to the tunnel, then walks right in. Lol.

[@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant]

That little area left in the "tunnel to nowhere" would be a cool place to setup camp for a night.

[@honeysucklecat]

Ha ha, that’s what they all say...until night falls, and no one ever hears from them again.....

[@gayle4s383]

Really awesome channel! Excited to have found it. I used to work on RR bridges, tunnels, snow sheds throughout Montana as a younger man. Thanks you for sharing.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Awesome! Yeah railroads sure are a thing to behold. Especially this railroad trestle I could spend hours there just looking around. Appreciate you taking the time to watch 👍

[@glennaw1547]

This was a fabulous video. Thank you.

[@pourindiesel]

Thanks for getting video of the tunnel to nowhere. Never seen that documented from the inside.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah! No problem, I was planning to get to the inside whether I was filming or not. Crazy seeing the collapse in there! Thanks for watching.

[@loganpreston3946]

Such a rad place I love the desert! The way it preserves is the best!

[@ronniecardy]

Nice train tunnels. Collapsed. Looks like the trusses haven't been used. I can't think of how hard these people worked in the heat to build all of this

[@markhager4508]

Excellent job! The tracks hold up far better out West. Interesting artifacts.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah they sure do stay well preserved. Appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@unrulyjulie4382]

I can't believe that you don't have 100x's the amount of subs that you do. You deserve it, you do a fantastic job! Thanks for taking us along on your adventures. Edit: You also have a very soothing and calming voice. I'd definitely listen to you narrating a documentary movie! 😉

[@taco472]

Great video, probably the best I’ve seen on the old trestle. I grew up in El Cajon and explored and camped in that area a lot before moving to Washington in 72. I never got to see the trestle in person but I did make it to a point where I could look down on the tracks just below by taking an old trail to an abandoned mine with my Jeep. From that spot you could see a couple tunnels and some smaller trestles . When I was in high school in the 60’s there was a story going around that couple box cars loaded with beer had derailed in the gorge and there was a canyon full of beer. Of course every high school kid in the county wanted to head out there, i never heard of any that did. Maybe those were the box cars ? 👍

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yep those are the exact box cars! Happened back in 1965 or so. Believe it was a boxcar full of Coors that had tipped over, since the cars were damaged beyond repair they decided to toss them into the gully

[@taco472]

@@WesternMineDetective who knows, there may be a can or two still down there? Coors has always been my beer of choice, worth a look . Lol

[@ginaevlogs]

Catching this a couple days late but phenomenal job! Great production and wonderful narration. I felt like I was right there. I really enjoyed seeing these old tunnels, hope I can visit in person someday! I cannot believe you crossed that trestle! You are a brave soul! Have fun and be safe!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Ay thanks alot, it truly is an amazing place to witness. I wouldn't call myself particularly brave, just curious. Appreciate the continued support!

[@mrkerse1]

A truly spectacular sight!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah it definitely is! And no problem, be ready to check some more awesome explorations.

[@ILGuy2012]

This looks like a great place to try rail biking, if a person can get permission. It would save a lot on walking the whole thing. If you're interested in learning more about rail biking, search on "rail biking" on KZbin. Several good videos showing people doing it. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@johnterry8890]

That is truly amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. You have great content and will be sharing your channel with others that follow mine exploration. Take care and stay safe brother.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it. That would be greatly appreciated! Anyone into mines would enjoy at least one of my vids. Thanks alot, we'll be safe and thanks for watching.

[@Mark_The_Magnificent]

Awesome video man, really enjoyed it!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks dude! Appreciate the support and glad you enjoyed the video

[@Mark_The_Magnificent]

@@WesternMineDetective All of your vids are very well done. Hope to see a lot more!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Oh don't worry I'll be having quite a few more in the coming months!

[@slworking2]

Awesome - as always. Now I really wanna go back out there.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks man, I really appreciate it 👍. And yeah it's a place you can never get sick of.

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

Earned my sub Keep up the videos!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Awesome! I sure will, I appreciate it

[@loganpreston3946]

You ought to head deeper into Randburg or red rock canyon in the Mojave! I know some awesome mines out that way! One with a nice pool we used to go dipping in a few years ago! Water was clean been tested super fun mine!!!

[@weshardcider4764]

Thanks!! Great Job! Will check that place out some day !

[@WesternMineDetective]

Appreciate you taking the time to watch the vid! And yeah definitely worth going and checking it out

[@WishMeLuckMetalDetecting]

Very cool video. Stay safe guys. I subscribed!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks man! Appreciate the support ☺️

[@jnolette1030]

Wow that was epic dude

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks! Appreciate that.

[@flatlineracer3207]

That sure was a lot of spray paint expenditures spent on that train decorations! :-)

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah man very true. Guess people don't have anything else to do out there

[@taco472]

I can’t believe people hiking that far pack pack with them.

[@BrokeMoFo]

That was a WWII era pack of Lucky's... !

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yep, it sure is! That was a very cool find. Thanks for watching.

[@tom7601]

Lucky Strike packs were green until sometime in WWII, probably 1942. The green was used for military paint so they went to white packs and stayed that way.

[@thavvolf9157]

Should really look up the history for this section of track it’s really interesting

[@jameschang8122]

very cool

[@sampointau]

The stacked rock, no matter if mine or railway tunnel, is called "Gobbing".

[@denyspoyner4150]

Correct.

[@michigandetectingdoug1125]

Great exploring punk👊🏻

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks man! Glad you liked it

[@phillipensminger2934]

Thanks I think you have done a great job, and I appreciate you noticing the beauty of God's creation and also mans ability. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks alot! This whole railroad is such an amazing spectacle to see. As well as the mountains surrounding. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

I could still hear the video while you where in the tunnel !!!

[@TheOriginalSvT]

Things stay pretty preserved over decades in that dry area, it must be nice to travel back in time

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah man they sure do it's quite amazing. Appreciate the support!

[@brianonthego]

Well done. This place amazes me. Is tunnel 8 the longest?

[@WesternMineDetective]

Tunnel 14 is the longest it spans more than half a mile I'd say 3/4 mile.

[@alidycepaisley3829]

05:28 - That a little bridge or have the tracks been undermined right there?

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah that's a small trestle

[@DanBronk]

Great Video ... but just little hint. In the description, it would be helpful to list where this is all located. I live in San Diego so I know but others I'm sure would like to see the location in the description. Thanks

[@WesternMineDetective]

Hey, appreciate the comment. There's a reason I don't reveal where this is located. First off, this is a very sacred spot to me and I'm sure to you and many others. Plus if people would want to go there or know where it is, they gotta do their Due Diligence and do the research. It's quite easy with a couple searches. Sometimes that's all it takes

[@jeffhildreth9244]

It took all of 3 seconds to do a search .May I suggest you try?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Have you explored any of the "aboriginal" mines. ?

[@DFDuck55]

I had seen the train cars a couple years ago on youtube. Tanner Fox and some of his rich kid buddies went out there. They weren't tagging them or anything stupid like that, but they were doing back flips off the top of the passenger cars. They didn't go any further than the train cars (probably didn't want to get their $1,000 sneaker shoes dirty.) Lucky Strike cigarette packs were green till late 1942, after that the packs were white with the same red logo. Their ad stated "Lucky Strike Green has gone to war". Because the copper used in the green color was needed for World War II. ducklandes.net/mp3/Lucky_Strike_Green.mp3

[@ADVNevada]

That's a cool place.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks man! Would love to go back and make a better quality video. And hit up places I didn't show in this one

[@ADVNevada]

@@WesternMineDetective I did that hike a long time ago, getting lost on the drive to the trailhead was an adventure in itself.

[@MichalOlender]

I think you have to make a new one, with your new GoPro ;)

[@jbrobertson6052]

What's the name of that Trestle and where abouts is it?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

It takes about 3 seconds to do an internet search. Try it.

[@jbrobertson6052]

@@jeffhildreth9244 I would have if it gave a name or location in the video ya smart-ass it must have took you all day to think that one up.You better be careful you might hurt yourself. Didn't your mother ever tell you if you got nothing nice to say don't say it at all. Oh by the way thanks for all your help.. NOT

[@joser81]

Awesome!! Thanks for posting this!!... Silverstackin81 from IG

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks man, no problem! I appreciate you commenting 😊

[@kearnsey64]

I believe those Lucky cigs were from WW II.

[@kevinbrennan2004]

Amazing explore. I assume that trestle, has a preservation order to it? If not, then that's a tragedy.

[@WesternMineDetective]

They're actually doing some work on that line, the trestle is in relatively good shape so it must be well cared for.

[@royrice8597]

But, Is it “really” safe?? 👍👍👍

[@michaelmorgan7893]

The dream of sugar magnate, Mr. John D. Sperckles who commissioned that railroad to be built, with the idea of having a new east-west railroad link to San Diego and points east.

[@aurktman1106]

It may be back in action one day: Google the story from the San Diego Tribune from Jan 15, 2018

[@markwilliamson2795]

Wood from the Bonanza Ranch , Ben , Hoss , Little Joe and Adam , Candy and Hop Sing ....

[@jefferykeeper9034]

I would have a A T V to ride on with going that far.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Just a suggestion for those who want to explore. First have a look at documents, books, maps, videos ( if you must) before asking others to do the the work for you. Hike out, get dirty, get lost, find your way out. That's exploration. Be smart, get and take the right gear. Be safe. I share information only with those I know to do the , sometimes difficult, research and legwork for themselves. I do not share with those who don't have enough interest, or determination, to put in the effort. One last comment: It is not what you know, it is how you know it that determines real knowledge. Second hand information is hearsay and of no value.

[@freddyw4555]

Good job. Two comments further down. You can’t do this and you can’t do that. I don’t understand people like that

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah seriously, I get it if it's an active track but it's not. This is probably one of the most fascinating engineering feat I've witnessed and it should remain that people are able to see it.

[@howardwinter3455]

Not the longest however. Clarksville Tn. is the home of the longest ; across the Cumberland river.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah there's a couple real long ones, this one is unique in that it's very tall and has a 15 degree curve in it. I've heard of that one, quite an engineering feat

[@thomasalexander5936]

You boys didn’t happen to do any prospecting while you were in the gorge?

[@paulsmith6616]

Ballsy I have to admit, but you really should not do this alone for the obvious reason. That said, I enjoyed the video thoroughly and was extremely impressed by your knowledge of the subject.

[@WesternMineDetective]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah looking back I don't know why I went along guess it was just a challenge for myself. Definitely was a fun explore. I'm trying to learn with every explore, expand my knowledge and terminology arsenal. Thanks for watching.

[@ArcadeLady83]

Wasn’t Longview kelso the longest till it burnt down

[@taco472]

I’ve lived in the Longview/Kelso Wa. area for the pass 48 years and I’m from SanDiego county. I worked for the Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. and never heard of any trestles near that size. Growing up in the 50’s & 60’s I always heard that the Carrizo Gorge trestle was the tallest and longest .....??? What trestle where you referring to in the Longview/Kelso area?

[@ArcadeLady83]

It was the large one that’s is part of weyerhaeusers line that ran up to Mt St. Helens.. now it ends at a dump... it had a very large one that went from kelso side all the way over and down the Longview side... one very tall long section and many small sections on the Longview side...

[@ArcadeLady83]

It seemed very large and it was very tall .. but it’s been mostly replaced by large pillars on the kelso side that burnt down ... was very cool as a kid

[@taco472]

@@ArcadeLady83 i thought that might be the trestle you were referring to. I checked it out , it is about 2000’ long . It starts at ground level and goes up to about 30-35 feet at its highest point where it connects to the steel and concrete bridge over the Cowlitz river. The fire damaged about half of it which was rebuilt with steel beams and pilling.

[@ArcadeLady83]

@@taco472 it was pretty neat at one time... too bad though ...

[@michaelcoker3197]

Google up that green Lucky Strike pack.

[@davidfalconer1639]

A lot of scrap metal in those railcars.

[@georgesmith8113]

👍👍😎

[@edwardglamuzina3421]

World's largest "radius "wooden trestle. Emphasis on "radius ".

[@marycarricaburu3683]

A trestle burned last night in a wildfire It didn't look quite like this one, Do you have any information?

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thankfully it wasn't this one, that was in Washington state. Still sad to see though.

[@dieselsrcool]

Here is a video of the creation of this railroad. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5WVqmabiZqXeZo

[@sampointau]

Semaphore signal.

[@bobsg35]

Semaphore signal

[@WesternMineDetective]

There we go, thanks for correcting me! That's what I was going for. Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed this one!

[@garysevert3860]

That is now an active train track and it’s a federal offense to trust pass a company out of the car he bought that if you’re caught out there you can be fined or imprisoned and they’re starting to enforce it

[@ADVNevada]

Huh?

[@freddyw4555]

Stay home

[@FinelyOnTrail]

The word you’re looking for is ‘trespass’, Deputy. Not trust pass.

[@bennetts-revenge_2]

Say what?

[@ADVNevada]

Thanks for keeping us in line....

[@Howrider65]

There just going to start blocking more of the track off because the people don't get that your not supposed to be up there it's trespassing and not safe.. You put breaking the law on youtube is not a smart thing to do..

[@freddyw4555]

Stay home