“Route of the Hiawatha”

Lookout Pass home of the “Route of the Hiawatha” Mountain Bicycle Trail

This nationally acclaimed 15 mile “rail-to-trail” mountain bike or hike trail utilizes the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad grade between the old town site of Taft (MT) and the North Fork of the St. Joe River near Avery (ID).  The St. Paul Pass Tunnel is 1.7 miles in length and is one of the highlights of a trail that has been described as one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country.  The Hiawatha includes 10 tunnels and 7 trestles as high as 230 ft within the Loop Creek canyon at the crest of the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains. The trail is considered the “crown jewel” of all rail-to-trail projects in the country and delivers a one-of–a-kind adventure for riders from around the world.  The best part is… It’s all downhill with a gentle 1.6% average grade that drops 1,000 feet over the 15-mile length with shuttle buses available to transport you and your bike back to the top.  A wide variety of ability levels from young children to super seniors can enjoy the trail and its numerous historical and interpretive signs.  Wildlife sightings of moose, elk and deer are a frequent treat. 

Trail passes, shuttle tickets, mountain bike rentals, souvenirs, and picnic lunches are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana border 12 miles east of Historic Wallace, Idaho.  Call 208-744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com for trail information. Equipment reservations are recommended.  The Hiawatha Trail is open daily from May 26 through September 30, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm PDT.