This is a family-friendly route and could be an opportunity to introduce kids or other family members to the joys of gravel biking.
Lookout Pass Ski Area makes it easy by providing appropriate rental bikes, headlights and helmets. Plus they offers shuttle service for those who only want to go 15 miles one way (downhill)!
There is reason this was named a "Rail-Trail Hall of Fame" trail by the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy.
The smooth gravel surface is just under 15 miles long with a gentle 1.6% railroad grade downhill in one direction. There are 10 large and dark train tunnels (nine that you ride your bike thru), 7 sky-high trestles with breathtaking views, and you 'll have the opportunity to stop and read 47 info signs to learn history and trivia about the railroad and area.
The "Route of the Hiawatha" is most famous for the cavernous, long, dark St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel which burrows for 8,771 ft. (1.66 miles) under the Bitterroot Mountains at the Idaho and Montana state line.
The scenery is spectacular:
Much of the trail is partially shaded by the pine forest.
There is a beautiful waterfall at the West Portal of the Taft tunnel.
The old railroad tunnels and raised trestles are iconic and unique.
Deer are commonly spotted along the route.
There is a fee to ride this trail and reservations are strongly recommended. Not only that, but the price doubles on the weekends! All trail users must purchase a ticket and display a pass on your bicycle while on the trail.
(We recommend riding on a weekday to save money and avoid the largest crowds!)
The inside of the long Taft Tunnel was quite wet. Some people were wearing a plastic poncho, but most of the moisture was in puddles on the ground. A simple fender would have done the trick to keep the dirty backsplash off our backsides.
Most people only ride the trail one way- downhill and west (they take a shuttle back), so on the return trip, you will be traveling uphill and "upstream" against the main flow of traffic. Many riders are with groups or families and may be less experienced cyclists who are distracted by the scenery. Be extra aware and ride with caution. We were glad one of us had a bell. Pro tip: depart later in the day so that when you are riding east, there are fewer riders biking westbound.
Do this route on a weekday if you want to ride a family-friendly, iconic gravel rail-trail with 10 tunnels, 7 raised trestle bridges, a waterfall and just generally beautiful mountain scenery.
The trail is only open seasonally, generally from May to September. Check the website for exact opening and closing dates.
We were able to purchase a ticket the day of our ride without a reservation on a weekday in July. However, You will need to make an extra stop at the Lookout Pass Ski Area located at exit 0 off Interstate 90 to get your tickets.
We parked and started the Hiawatha Trail which is a short 5 mile drive from Lookout Pass to exit 5 & then another 2 miles up a dirt road (Rt 506) to the parking area. There is ample parking and a vault toilet here.
There are also a few other vault toilets along the route (at approximately at miles 2.5, 7.6, 15, 21.9 and 27).
Come with your water bottles filled and enough fuel to keep you going for all 30 miles if you don't want to pay tourist attraction prices. At the start/Taft Trailhead and at the turnaround point in Pearson, they do sell bottled water, Gatorade and soda as well as ham, turkey and veggie sandwiches.
A headlight is required to safely navigate the long dark tunnels, so don't forget to bring yours. They have headlights for rent or for sale at the Lookout Pass Ski area where you buy your tickets if you need one.
While you are unlikely to see many vehicles on the trail, portions of it do allow motorized vehicles. However, you can rest assured that none are allowed in the longest, Taft Tunnel.
Laura & Rose
Laura Karpinski and Rose Barcklow are the creators of Gravel Bike Adventures. Click on the About page to learn more about them.
