The Coal Mines Trail is a 4.79-mile historic rail corridor connecting Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald in Upper Kittitas County, Washington. Originally built in 1886 by the Northern Pacific Railroad, the trail follows the route of a railroad that played an important role in transporting coal and supporting the region’s mining communities.

The Coal Mines Trail Interpretive Signage Project is a collaborative effort led by the Coal Mines Trail Commission, in partnership with the Roslyn Ronald Cle Elum Heritage Club, Mountains to Sound Greenway, local governments, historical organizations, Tribal representatives, and community partners. The project replaces outdated, deteriorating signs with new interpretive signage and trailhead kiosks that share the area's rich and diverse history.

The signs highlight the people and stories that shaped our communities, including Indigenous peoples, immigrant coal miners, and African American pioneers. Through this project, visitors and residents alike can gain a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage and the important contributions of the many communities that call this area home.

The project is dedicated to three beloved local historians—Nick Henderson, Dave Franklin, and Fred Krueger—whose extensive research, storytelling, and dedication have made a lasting impact on preserving our region's history. Their work has helped keep the stories of our communities alive for future generations, making this project a fitting tribute to their legacy.

More than a signage project, this initiative preserves our shared history, strengthens connections among our communities, and creates a lasting educational resource for future generations.