SPOKANE — The state is considering changing the name of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, which runs east of the Columbia River to nearly the Idaho border.
The state Parks and Recreation Commission says the name of the trail is confusing and is not consistent with other trails, which tend to be named for geologic features, significant history or geographic locations.
The John Wayne Pioneer Trail, named for the movie star, is a portion of the larger, 285-mile Iron Horse State Park Trail, which runs from North Bend in western Washington to the town of Tekoa near the Idaho border.
“Determining one name for the trail will help eliminate confusion,” said Randy Kline, trails coordinator for the agency. “Also, giving the trail one meaningful name will highlight its significance as one of the longest cross-state trails in the country.”
The trail was originally named for the cowboy actor in the 1980s because of support from the John Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders, a group that has organized an annual ride across Washington on the trail. The actor had no special connection to Washington.
Kline said the name is not consistent with the names of other trails in the state, such as the Spokane River Centennial Trail, Columbia Plateau Trail, Klickitat Trail and Willapa Hills Trail.
The trail runs roughly parallel to Interstate 90 and consists of the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad right-of-way, including tunnels.
Staff of the commission has produced a list of alternate names, including:
• Cascalouse State Park Trail, which is a contraction of the Cascade and Palouse geographic areas.
• Columbian State Park Trail, after a passenger train.
• Cross Washington State Park Trail.
• Iron Horse State Park Trail, which acknowledges the trail as a former railway.
• Milwaukee Road State Park Trail, the name of the railroad that operated on the route.
• Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
• Trail of the Olympian State Park Trail.
The public has until May 4 to comment on these suggestions. People can also submit other suggestions to the agency. State Parks staff will present name recommendations to the commission at its next meeting on May 17.
