Our story begins with the dreams of those no longer here—early champions whose dedication and passion became a legacy we carry forward.
Thank You
Thank you to our Founders and Trail Champions: The remarkable progress of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our founders and early champions. Their tireless volunteer efforts and unwavering commitment to the Coalition and the Foothills National Recreation Trail have been instrumental in shaping the success we see today.
Founders
Click each photo to learn more about the founders who helped shape the trail we enjoy today.

Dr. Douglass “Doc” Tait
1927 - 2003
Buckley, WA
Buckley, WA

Dr. Ernest C. “Ernie” Bay
1929 – 2016
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA

Frederick C. “Fred” Hart
1929 - 2020
South Prairie, WA
South Prairie, WA

Stanley R. “Stan” Engle
1921 - 2009
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA
Trail Champions
Click each photo to learn more about the trail champions who helped shape the trail we enjoy today.

Dixie Gatchel
1924 - 2021
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA

Clay Gatchel
1919 - 2005
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA

Gordon “Buzz” Grant
1945 - 2019
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA

Clarence R.M. “Bob” Kastama
1933 - 2017
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA

Diane M. Kastama
1934 - 2018
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA

Charles “Chuck” Morrison
1951 - 2022
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA

Donald J. “Don” Partington
1958 - 2019
Lake Tapps, WA
Lake Tapps, WA

Claudia Peters
1945 - 2003

George T. Sleet
1941 - 2016
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA

Kenneth L. “Ken” Woolery
1942 - 2023
Sumner, WA
Sumner, WA