Malden: Palouse and Railroad History

Malden is a rural residential community in the Palouse landscape of Whitman County, halfway between Spokane and Colfax. As a historic railroad boomtown, the town combines a clearly defined past with a connection to the landscape along Pine Creek. For planning your trip, two questions are especially helpful: Would you like to get to know Malden through its railroad history, or is the Palouse to Cascades Trail your main focus? Both topics offer different starting points for your stay. Also of note is the 2024 edition of the Pine Creek Community Fall Festival.

Malden as a Railroad Town

A railroad depot and locomotive roundhouse were built in Malden in 1909. Malden was also the headquarters of the Columbia Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. These details shed light on different aspects of railroad operations: the depot and roundhouse represent the physical facilities, while the divisional headquarters reflects the town’s organizational role. Together, they give the term railroad boomtown a concrete historical context.

The history also includes the foundations of an eight-stall roundhouse, which remain and recall the workers who maintained and repaired steam locomotives there. The focus thus extends beyond buildings and organization to the practical work of railroad operations. Malden continued to grow into the 1920s, when the railroad moved its operations out of town. The history of the railroad town therefore encompasses both its boom and the changes that followed.

The Palouse to Cascades Trail along Pine Creek

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail runs along the banks of Pine Creek in Malden; its official name today is the Palouse to Cascades Trail. Conditions along the banks can change. Malden is also a trailhead on the Palouse to Cascades Trail State Park. Alongside its railroad history, the trail offers another focus for planning your trip: it connects the town’s name with the banks of Pine Creek and the state park.

The Pine Creek Community Fall Festival

The Pine Creek Community Fall Festival was held in 2024 as an annual event at Malden Community Park. The festival featured live music by local musicians, a barbecue, and vendors offering cultural crafts. Food and activities were offered free of charge to all participants. The 2024 edition was also set to include a bicycle rodeo, a cherry pie eating contest, and a community photo contest. These program items offer a concrete glimpse of that edition of the festival.

Timing for Your Plans

The railroad history describes the town’s past; conditions along the trail banks can change. Check current State Parks notices before you travel. The festival offerings mentioned refer to the 2024 edition and are not a set program for future dates.

Discover more destinations: Pullman, Colfax.

For the broader travel overview: Whitman County.