The zoo contends that the project would be much more complicated — and expensive — than simply dusting off the old tracks.

Originally opened in 1864, The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs is a Pacific Northwest gem hidden about 90 minutes south of Walla Walla on the highway to nowhere.

And the best part is the variety: We’ve got rock, country, hip-hop, bluegrass, Americana, pop-punk, indie, jazz, metalcore ...