A graphic outline of a train for the Kittitas County Railroad History Association. Ellensburg. Things to do in Ellensburg.

About the Kittitas County Railroad History Association

A photo of the Kittitas County Railroad History Association's locomotives that will soon be at Ellensburg Rotary Park, just minutes from the Ellensburg Rodeo and the downtown area.

Our Story

“As the CEO of KCRHA, I am excited to introduce our new project: a free-riding railroad that celebrates Kittitas County's history from 1884 to 1970. We are working to create an attraction with the riding railroad for all ages to enjoy that focuses on history, education, and inspiration in large modeling encouraging broad community participation.

KCRHA includes a dedicated team of 10 Directors, each bringing unique expertise in model engineering to ensure our project’s success. Our goal is to create a family-friendly, educational experience that also supports our local food bank.

We plan to construct 6,400 feet of 7 1/2" gauge track on four acres, complete with two bridges and a tunnel, all modeled after real historical structures. Additionally, we will recreate lost railroad depots of the county based on historical photographs, as well as other significant historical structures.

We have received a huge amount of local support for our project, including all three county commissioners, the local city council, and the Parks Commission. I have been the point person on the project going back over two years.

Scroll a bit further to view historical photos, models we’ve constructed, and to meet our team.”

-Jim Pendley, CEO

A historic photo of Thorp Depot in 1951. The Kittitas County Railroad History Association will be creating a mini model of the depot from Thorp, Washington, for their Riding Railroad at Ellensburg Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington.

Thorp Depot 1951

A historic photo of Easton Station. The Kittitas County Railroad History Association will be creating a mini model of the depot from Easton, Washington, for their Riding Railroad at Ellensburg Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington.

Easton Station

A historic photo of Ellensburg Depot in 1884. The Kittitas County Railroad History Association will be creating a mini model of the depot from Ellensburg, Washington, for their Riding Railroad at Ellensburg Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington.

Ellensburg Depot 1884-1909

A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to
A photo of the miniature historic Ellensburg Depot during construction. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. T
A photo of the finished miniature Ellensburg Depot. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to do in Ellen
A photo of the finished miniature Ellensburg Depot. The model was built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg, Washington, at Rotary Park, close to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Things to do in Ellen
A photo of the historic Ellensburg Depot the Kittitas County Railroad History Association made their model based on.
A photo of Kittitas County Railroad History Association railroad cars for the Riding Railroad coming to Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington. A free event for families, locals, and tourists. Things to do in Ellensburg. Close to Ellensburg Rodeo.
A photo of Kittitas County Railroad History Association railroad cars for the Riding Railroad coming to Rotary park in Ellensburg, Washington. A free event for families, locals, and tourists. Things to do in Ellensburg. Close to Ellensburg Rodeo.
A photo of Kittitas County Railroad History Association railroad cars for the Riding Railroad coming to Rotary park in Ellensburg, Washington. A free event for families, locals, and tourists. Things to do in Ellensburg. Close to Ellensburg Rodeo.
A photo of Kittitas County Railroad History Association railroad cars for the Riding Railroad coming to Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington. A free event for families, locals, and tourists. Things to do in Ellensburg. Close to Ellensburg Rodeo.
A photo of the historic Easton Water Tower that the Kittitas County Railroad History Association built a miniature model of for their Riding Railroad, a free family activity coming to Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington.
A photo of the miniature Easton Water Tower model built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad in Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington. Things to do in Ellensburg.
A photo of Kittitas County Railroad History Association railroad cars for the Riding Railroad coming to Rotary park in Ellensburg, Washington. A free event for families, locals, and tourists. Things to do in Ellensburg. Close to Ellensburg Rodeo.
A photo of Kittitas County Railroad History Association railroad cars for the Riding Railroad coming to Rotary park in Ellensburg, Washington. A free event for families, locals, and tourists. Things to do in Ellensburg. Close to Ellensburg Rodeo.
A photo of a miniature locomotive and the model of the Easton Water Tower built by the Kittitas County Railroad History Association for the Riding Railroad coming to Ellensburg Rotary Park. Free things to do in Ellensburg.

Who We Are

A photo of some miniature railway models and each of the 10 directors of the Kittitas County Railroad History Association. The KCRHA is constructing a free Riding Railroad at Rotary Park in Ellensburg, Washington, things to do in Ellensburg.

Top Row L to R:

  • Dr. Kevin Packard | Director, Treasurer, Spokesman. Dentist at Creekside Dental Ellensburg.

  • Chris Haaland | Director, Railroad History Research. Retired Locomotive Engineer at BNSF Railway, Vietnam Veteran, Helicopter Pilot.

  • Robert Keeney | Director, Surveyor. Retired Machinist, U.S. Navy Veteran.

  • Dr. Gary Bos | Director, Admin Consultant. Retired Orthopedic Surgeon at KVH, Vietnam Veteran, Navigator Jet Fighters.

  • Ron Parga | Director, Marketing. Retired Marketing Executive, Dairy Industry, New York.

Bottom Row L to R:

  • Larry Raymond | Director, Secretary, Mechanical Engineering. Large Aerospace Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer Instructor.

  • Scott Brons | Director, Steel Manufacturing of Railroad Cars and Structures. Owner PNW Design and Fab - Yakima, Master Model Builder in All Scales.

  • Jim Pendley | CEO, Director, 1/8 Scale Buildings. Retired BNSF Locomotive Engineer Instructor, Stampede and Stevens Passes.

  • Bob Chapman | Director, Steam Locomotives. Supervisor Road Maintenance, Klickitat County, Steam Locomotive Specialist.

  • Paul Haaland | Director, President, Insurance Coordinator. Retired Commercial/Industrial Electrical Contractor.