The first was in length and opened in 1900 to avoid problems caused by heavy winter snowfalls on the original line that had eight zig zags (switchbacks). The current tunnel is in length and entered service in early approximately south of and lower in elevation than the original. The present east portal is nearly east of the original's and is at above sea level, below the pass. The tunnel connects Berne in Chelan County on its east with Scenic Hot Springs in King County on its west and is the longest railroad tunnel in the United States.