Years ago, the old MilWest Foamers group organized a bus tour of Milwaukee Lines West right of way from Thorp, WA., ( just West of Ellensburg ) to Easton, WA. An on - board ranger with WA. State Dept. of Natural Resources said that maintaining the right of way for the Iron Horse Trail was almost the same as maintaining the railroad, with the obvious exception of the rail & ties themselves. DNR Agent : " We have to clear fallen trees and plugged culverts, cut back the forest growth, maintain the right of way fence and gates at the road crossings." DNR also maintains the trailheads and their parking areas, and several walk - in / bike - in campgrounds and picnic areas between Easton and Hyak, WA.