Steve Thompson wrote: " This is the alternate mainline of the NP... " Well, yes in more recent times. This was the ORIGINAL mainline of the Northern Pacific, from Tacoma to Portland, until the Point Defiance line was built in the early 1900's. The steep grade up the gulch along S.Tacoma Way to the Nalley Valley was a major reason for the new line. As 'd' has noted, the extension of Sounder commuter rail service will once again use this line through South Tacoma to Lakewood. However this will involve new construction from Freighthouse Square, on the former Milwaukee Road line, up & over Pacific Ave to a connection with the line through Nalley Valley. This line will run from left to right across the top of the historic photo.