ride the Hiawatha: the crown jewel of America’s rails to trails

 

Searching for a scenic mountain bike ride, trail run, or gravel ride in the Idaho or Montana area?  Ride the Hiawatha!

Filled with sky-high train trestles, long tunnels, and big mountain views, the Route of the Hiawatha is often considered the crown jewel of America’s Rails to Trails projects.  And the best way to experience it is by bicycle!  This blog will give you all the details about what to expect and how to really enjoy this one-of-a-kind trail!

 

how to get to the Route of the Hiawatha

 

Located along the Idaho – Montana border, the Route of the Hiawatha, or the Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail is easily reachable from the I-90 freeway.  It’s also adjacent to the Lookout Pass Ski Area.  You can park at the Lookout Pass Ski Area in Idaho for bike rentals, tickets, and food.

However, to ride the Hiawatha, you’ll need to get back on the freeway and drive 5 miles towards Taft, Montana to the start of the trailhead.  Take exit 5 off the I-90 freeway at East Portal.  Once you get off the exit, it’s about 2 miles down a hard-packed dirt road.  All cars can manage this drive, no 4-wheel drive is needed.

At the end of the dirt road, there’s a large parking lot and volunteer-staffed tents (June-August) where you can also buy tickets, rent bikes, lights, and get maps!

There’s almost no cell service in the area, so it’s the perfect road trip to unplug and enjoy the scenery for a few hours or the whole day!

 

what to expect when you ride the Hiawatha

 

What makes the Route of the Hiawatha so special is that you will ride through 10 tunnels and cross 7 tall train trestles.  The longest and darkest of these tunnels, yes, you will need strong bike lights and/or headlamps, is the St. Paul Pass Tunnel at over 1.5 miles long!

You’ll be surrounded by complete darkness inside this and several other tunnels.  It’s very quiet, and it will take a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the absolute blackout.  But you will be soothed by the sounds of running water that trickle down the sides of these former train tunnels that run deep through the Bitterroot Mountains.  After 8,771 feet you emerge, and you’ll feel almost an adrenaline rush from the ride…and that’s just the first tunnel!

The Route of the Hiawatha follows the old abandoned Milwaukee railroad between the historic mining towns of Taft and Pearson, Montana.  This part of the Hiawatha trail was known as one of the most scenic sections of railroad in the country! 

 

When to Visit

 

The Route of the Hiawatha is open from the end of May until mid-September.  And since the trailhead is located at just over 4,100ft. you can expect cool to downright frigid conditions.  Especially inside the tunnels!

Check out the Ride the Hiawatha website for more details on tickets, seasonal openings, and more.

 

How long is the route of the Hiawatha trail

 

The Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail is about 15 miles long one-way from East Portal to Pearson.  And it is downhill!  However, do not let this fool you.  The trail has a gentle grade the whole way, 1.5-2% grade on average.  So you will need to pedal, you cannot simply coast!

Most visitors ride the Hiawatha trail 15-miles from East Portal to Pearson.  Then catch a shuttle back up to the start of the trailhead.  However, if you have time, we definitely recommend doing the full 30 miles round-trip!

What you will see/hear/experience:

 

• Deer, bobcats, elk, moose, and eagles
• Gentle gravel roads through beautiful mountain passes
• Cool (to very cold!) temperatures – bring lots of layers
• Complete darkness inside several of the longer tunnels- Bring headlamps and bike lights!

 

Things you will not find while riding the Hiawatha trail:

 

• Freshwater or drinking water- bring a Camelbak and/or at least 2 water bottles
• Cell service
• Wifi
• Flush toilets
• Electricity hook-ups (more on camping in a minute!)
• Dogs on trails

 

camping near the route of the Hiawatha

If you’re driving up to ride the Hiawatha, there are plenty of camping spots on both the Idaho and Montana side of the route.  We’ve uploaded all of our favorite spots to Sēkr…it’s a free camping app that you can download to your phone!  Here are a few of the favorites that we’ve reviewed on Sēkr:

 

• Lookout Pass Ski Area– You can camp in the parking lot, they recommend a self-contained RV or van
• East Portal- the large parking lot at the trailhead can accommodate many vehicles, just outside the St. Paul Pass Tunnel
• Dispersed camping exists on either side of Forest Road 326
• Nugget RV Park in St. Regis, Montana
• Wallace RV Park in Wallace, Idaho
• Little Northfork Campground along the St. Joe River

 

Interested in renting a camper van for your trip?  We use Outdoorsy.com for our camper van rentals.  In fact, if you’re considering trying out the #vanlife, here’s a $50 credit to get you started!

 

Ready to get out there?  Check out our Road Trip Packing Checklist before you hit the road!  But, for those of you that want more information, read on!

What to Pack for Camping at the Hiawatha trail

 

The closest towns to the Route of the Hiawatha are Mullan and Wallace on the Idaho side.  Both are quite small but have gas stations, convenience stores, and lodging.  And then there’s the small town of St. Regis on the Montana side.

If you plan to camp, be prepared to bring enough food, water, and firewood for the length of your stay.  Remember, 1 gallon of water per person, per day.  And bring extra if you’re camping with dogs!

We always pack lots of base layers, wool socks, beanie, a puffy jacket, and definitely gloves!  Even in the summer months.  All the camping items we pack are listed in our Road Trip blog.  We’ve thought of everything from pillows to propane.  Headlamps to hair ties.  Solar chargers to spatulas!

Keep in mind, once you leave town, you may not have service at all while riding the Hiawatha.  So, make sure to make all phone calls or send emails before you depart!

 

a once-in-a-lifetime ride on the Hiawatha

 

This is one ride worth doing no matter what your bike fitness level is.  The Route of the Hiawatha was named to the Hall of Fame of Rail Trails by the Rails to Trails Conservancy.  One of only 15 trails designated as such in the country!

Want more travel tips?  Read our blogs:

• Baja Mexico Travel Guide: Valle de Guadalupe, Rosarito and Tijuana
• Biking Catalina: Mountain Biking and Gravel Riding in Paradise
• Lodging and Camping in Grand Teton National Park

 

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Until next time, happy traveling!

– Meredith McConvill