The Doc Tait Pavilion: A New Chapter at the Foothills Trailhead in Buckley

A Gathering Place. A Gateway. A Tribute.

What began as a vision is now a reality. The beautiful new gathering space and trailhead gateway on the Foothills Trail in Buckley is far more than just a pavilion—it’s the first physical home of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition. This welcoming hub invites trail users to gather, get oriented, and learn the story of the trail and the community that built it.

The pavilion honors Dr. Douglas “Doc” Tait, the Buckley physician who first imagined the Foothills Trail. It also serves a larger purpose: expanding access, improving safety with maps and interpretive elements, and telling the story of this place—right at the Foothills Trail’s birthplace.

This milestone was made possible through years of community effort, generous contributions from donors, and the dedication of countless partners and volunteers. To everyone who shared their time, resources, and passion — thank you for helping bring this shared vision to life.

We Celebrated the Grand Opening on August 7, 2025 — Thank You for Joining Us!

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What the Pavilion Will Do

  • Provide a safe and beautiful gathering space

    for families, school groups, walkers, and trail users.

  • Honor Dr. Douglas Tait,

    the Buckley physician whose vision helped spark the Foothills Trail—and the many early founders and trail champions who made it a reality.

  • Tell the story of this land,

    from the Indigenous peoples to the timber era to the grassroots movement that built the trail.

  • Highlight native flora and fauna,

    connecting visitors to the ecology of the region and encouraging stewardship.

  • Fuel local economic activity

    by drawing visitors into Buckley’s downtown core.

  • Support health and well-being

    by making trail access easier, safer, and more inclusive.