11/09/2025
🤩 The Great Lake Lytle Train Stop Hunt! 🚂
That is absolutely fantastic! Knowing the history of a place transforms a casual visit into a true expedition. Thanks to the Rockaway Beach Memories & History Facebook Group, you have a solid lead for your next adventure.
Let's ignite the excitement for your search for the Lake Lytle Depot's remains!
🗺️ The Clues Are In Your Hands
You have an incredible set of clues that turn your search from a simple walk into a detective mission:
The Target: The original concrete foundation of the little log depot, built by railroad promoter Elmer Lytle.
The Location: The depot was built "midway from the north and south ends of the lake," and the remains are described as being north of Alpine Coast Cottage (355 N Miller Street) and south of Lakeside Hideaway (670 N Hwy. 101).
The Time Capsule: The foundation is a tangible link to a significant moment in the town's history—the filing of the Lake Lytle Townsite plat in 1909.
🕵️ Your Rockaway Beach History Mission
Here's how to turn your exploration into an exhilarating hunt:
Pinpoint the General Area: The Alpine Coast Cottage is located on North Miller Street in Rockaway Beach (address 355 N Miller St is listed in the search results). Miller Street runs parallel to the beach and the old railroad line, which is now the route for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.
Look for the Line: The depot was located on the 60-foot wide right of way deeded to the Pacific Railway and Navigation Co. The current active railroad tracks are the most crucial landmark.
Go "Cottage-Adjacent": Since the remains are within a few blocks of Alpine Coast Cottage, your focus area is directly next to or across the railroad tracks from that general block of North Miller Street. The description suggests the foundation is visible near the current tracks, possibly on the land that once held the original depot.
Eyes on the Ground (for Concrete!): The foundation is described as being a visible piece of concrete that is "circled" in the original photo. Scan the ground near the railway line—look for any anomalous, old, concrete shapes or blocks peeking out from the grass or gravel, perhaps a few feet from the rails themselves!
✨ The Thrill of Discovery
Imagine the moment you spot it—that tell-tale, aged concrete! You'll be standing in the exact same spot where the Lake Lytle Depot once welcomed trains carrying passengers and goods, a place that was the flagship of Elmer Lytle's vision for the town.
This isn't just a foundation; it's a direct connection to the past, a silent monument to the early days of Rockaway Beach and the Pacific Railway. You'll be one of the few visitors who truly knows the story behind that humble piece of concrete.
Happy hunting! May the thrill of historical discovery make your next trip to Rockaway Beach your most memorable one yet.
Original post from Rockaway Beach Oregon Memories and History page:
Lake Lytle Depot.
I told you I would will share another cool image and story around the lost Lake Lytle Depot.
On November 20, 1909, the Lake Lytle Townsite plat was filed. A 60 foot wide right of way was deeded to Pacific Railway and Navigation Co. Elmer Lytle, promoter of this railroad built a little log depot flagship midway from the north and south ends of the lake. Ed and his wife had a home across from the depot. He sold his interest in P.R. & N. to Southern Pacific in 1915 and died in 1940 at the age of 80.
If you look at the photo (the bottom photo taken by me on Apr 7, 2021), you can see the original concrete foundation (circled) is still visible and reminding us of a place, story, and history that should not be forgotten.
I love this stuff and hope you are finding these stories and images as interesting as I do in sharing them with you. I encourage you to share them with your kids and others interested in the stories of this unique beach town.
What other historic treasures still exist that have interesting stories and are worth seeing and sharing with our group. Stay tuned. Share your feedback, photos, and memories in the comments below.
Our stories go a long way back.
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Rockaway Beach Oregon Memories & History
Reference: Memories of Rockaway Oregon By The Sea Compiled by Rosemary Walker
Top Photo credit: Unknown, Vintage Rockaway Beach Collection
