The Tumwater Pipeline Trail seamlessly integrates human history and natural beauty as it parallels the roaring Wenatchee River. The pipeline right-of-way that the trail follows was built to carry water from a dam on the Wenatchee to a power-generating station that you see immediately as you travel upstream. The electricity was used to help bore the railroad tunnel through the Cascades. Soon after passing the old power plant, the trail crosses the river on an iron bridge, then follows its right bank just over a mile upstream to where the trail is blocked by fallen rocks. There is a good view across the river to Castle Rock, a popular climbing destination. The area is very scenic year-round, with serene snowscapes in winter, raging whitewater in spring, and brilliant golden cottonwood leaves in fall.