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Buckley is a small, rural town with a rich history, and it is where I have called home since 1988. Sitting on the plateau in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, Buckley is a close-knit community that still has a small town feel. Driving down Main Street you can see buildings that were built before Washington became a state. Those who have lived in the town for over 80 years will tell stories of riding the steam train to Enumclaw to go shopping. Now the tracks are paved and on sunny days families ride bikes and say hi on what is called the Buckley trail. No one is a stranger and if you ever find yourself in town, be prepared for people you don’t know to stop and say hi.
City Hall is a located at the end of Main Street. Inside you can find out what is going on around town. In the summer there is a concert in the park series and City Hall would be happy to share who is playing when. You also can find out what is happening in the active Senior Center and whether it is recycle or yard waste that week. For the past few years they have been on a quest to beautify the town. In the summer gorgeous hanging baskets are hanging from the light posts and during the month of December, Christmas wreaths.
Since it's beginning, Buckley has been a logging town. On the last full weekend in June there is a loggers rodeo and parade that honors their heritage. In the picture above there is an old steam donkey from the early 1900's and a replica of a look out tower. Both are part of the Buckley museum that you can visit when you are in town.
Wally's is an old style drive in that has been in business for over 40 years. Their milkshakes are known far and wide and each month they offer up the shake of the month. December is candy cane, and I can say, it's pretty good. Right off 410 it's an easy stop for a great hamburger and fries. Though the servers are not on roller skates, they delver your meal to the car window as if it were the 1950's.
This modern wooden bridge follows the old track from the steam train. Today it is part of the Foothills Trail and the only traffic allowed is either foot or bike. About 390 feet long and 50 feet high, the bridge spans South Prairie Creek and Lower Burnett Road. In the fall you can watch salmon make their journey up the river to spawn. Though, no matter what season it is, walking across the beautifully curved bridge is an enjoyable experience.