
Route of the Hiawatha
An epic 15-mile downhill bike ride through historic tunnels and over towering trestle bridges in Idaho's mountains.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Route of the Hiawatha
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An epic 15-mile downhill bike ride through historic tunnels and over towering trestle bridges in Idaho's mountains.
"One of the most beautiful and fun bike trails I have never done. And one of the most easiest."

Bring Your Own Bike! 🚲
Rentals can be basic; bringing your own ensures comfort and reliability .
Headlamp is a MUST! 🔦
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels safely and enjoying the experience .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Long Tunnel
Start of the trail
Experience the thrill of the 1.66-mile long tunnel, a pitch-black adventure requiring lights. It's a unique and memorable part of the ride .

Sky-High Trestles
Multiple locations along the trail
Marvel at seven towering trestle bridges that offer breathtaking views of the valleys below. Some are taller than the surrounding trees .

The Downhill Cruise
Entire 15-mile trail
Enjoy a mostly downhill 15-mile ride on a converted railroad line, making it accessible for most fitness levels .
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Bike! 🚲
Rentals can be basic; bringing your own ensures comfort and reliability.
Headlamp is a MUST! 🔦
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels safely and enjoying the experience.
Pack Snacks & Water 🍎
Limited options on the trail; bees can be an issue, so eat quickly!
Wear Layers 🧥
Temperatures drop significantly inside the tunnels.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Bike! 🚲
Rentals can be basic; bringing your own ensures comfort and reliability.
Headlamp is a MUST! 🔦
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels safely and enjoying the experience.
Pack Snacks & Water 🍎
Limited options on the trail; bees can be an issue, so eat quickly!
Wear Layers 🧥
Temperatures drop significantly inside the tunnels.
Consider E-Bikes ⚡
Makes the return trip or any uphill sections effortless.
Shuttle vs. Ride Back 🚌
Shuttle is convenient but can have long waits; riding back is more effort but offers flexibility.
Expect to Get Dirty! 💨
The trail is gravel and can be muddy, especially after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Route of the Hiawatha for its stunning scenery, unique tunnels, and impressive trestle bridges. The mostly downhill 15-mile ride is described as easy and fun for families and beginners. Some minor drawbacks include potentially mediocre bike rentals and long shuttle waits, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended.
"This was a wonderful experience. Right off the bat we traveled through the mile long tunnel. It was creepy, and we wished we'd had a brighter light. Note .. the return shuttle drops you off near this same tunnel, and you have to go through it again on the way back to your vehicle. It was much better the second time as we knew what to expect and could go faster. The remaining part of the trail was an easy ride and was lovely. Lots of great photo shots. We had ebikes, and if we do it again we would skip the shuttle and ride back up."
Becky McKee
"This is one of the most beautiful and fun bike trails I have never done. And one of the most easiest. If you're in this area, you definitely need to check this out in the fall. Spring and summer. It's definitely worth driving too in the middle of the mountains."
Cody Holmes
"Nice trail with lots of rookie riders and kids. The tunnels were nice. Ride down and back for a round trip of just shy of 30 miles. Uphill grade is very shallow so not hard. On the way down it was very easy - rarely needed to pedal. Scenery was spectacular."
bart Weimer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Route of the Hiawatha is located at Lookout Pass Ski Area, right on the Idaho-Montana border, accessible via I-90 Exit 0. It's a scenic drive through the mountains, often combined with trips to Coeur d'Alene.
The primary access point is Lookout Pass Ski Area, where you can purchase tickets, rent bikes, and catch the shuttle. Some visitors also use the Pearson Trailhead.
Yes, ample parking is available at Lookout Pass Ski Area, which serves as the main hub for the Hiawatha Bike Trail.
The trail is a one-way path, so driving to different points isn't feasible for experiencing the full route. The shuttle service or riding back is necessary to return to your starting point.
Weather can be variable, especially in the mountains. Expect cooler temperatures inside the tunnels and be prepared for sun or rain. Checking the forecast before you go is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for adults, youth, and children. It's best to check the official 'Ride the Hiawatha' website for the most current pricing for trail access and shuttle services.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets and shuttle services in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid long waits and ensure availability.
Trail access tickets typically cover your entry to the 15-mile path. Shuttle services and bike rentals are usually separate purchases.
Information on discounts for groups, military, or specific days might be available on the official website. It's worth checking their promotions page.
The trail typically operates daily from late May through mid-September. Always confirm the exact operating hours and season dates on the official 'Ride the Hiawatha' website before your visit.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile trail, primarily downhill, following a historic railroad line.
Yes, it's considered very family-friendly and suitable for beginners due to its mostly downhill grade and shallow uphill sections. Many young children complete the ride.
The trail is a well-maintained gravel surface, a former railroad bed, making it suitable for most types of bicycles.
Most visitors complete the 15-mile ride in 2-3 hours, depending on stops for photos and enjoying the scenery. The shuttle ride back also adds to the time.
Restroom facilities are available at key points along the trail, including the start and end points, and at some intermediate stops.
🎫 🚲 Bike Rentals & Shuttles
Yes, bike rentals are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area, including standard bikes and e-bikes. However, rentals can be basic and popular, so booking ahead or bringing your own is advised.
Rentals typically include comfort bikes and e-bikes. E-bike rentals are highly recommended for an easier experience, especially if you plan to ride back up the trail.
A shuttle service operates from the end of the trail back to the start, picking up riders at various points. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
No, the shuttle service is an additional cost on top of your trail access ticket. It's a convenient way to complete the 15-mile downhill ride without having to pedal back.
Yes, e-bike rentals are available and are a popular choice for making the ride more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for tackling any slight inclines or the return journey.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
The towering trestle bridges and the dramatic tunnel entrances offer fantastic photo opportunities. The scenic mountain views throughout the 15-mile ride are also spectacular.
While your headlamp will illuminate the tunnel, a separate camera light or flash can help capture better detail and atmosphere in the pitch-black conditions.
Absolutely! It's renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, historic tunnels, and impressive trestle bridges, making it one of North America's most scenic bike trails.
Visitors have reported seeing various wildlife, including deer and other forest creatures, adding to the natural beauty of the experience.
Yes, action cameras are great for capturing the tunnel and trestle experiences. Ensure they are securely mounted and you have extra batteries and storage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Rent e-bikes if possible to make the ride easier for everyone, especially if you have younger children. Bring plenty of snacks and water, as stops are limited. Ensure all children have bright lights for the tunnels. Consider the shuttle service for a less strenuous return trip, but be prepared for potential wait times.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and drinks from a grocery store before arriving, as on-site options can be pricier. Look for any group discounts if traveling with a larger party. While the trail itself has an entry fee, focusing on these aspects can help manage overall trip costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Tips for photographers: Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the trestles and tunnels. Consider a GoPro or action camera for dynamic shots. Be mindful of other riders and the trail conditions, and always prioritize safety when stopping for photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Milwaukee Road
The railroad ceased operations in the 1980s, and much of its infrastructure was abandoned. However, the spirit of adventure and the stunning landscape inspired the conversion of this particular stretch into a rails-to-trails project. Today, the Hiawatha Bike Trail preserves this historic corridor, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the original engineering while enjoying a unique recreational activity.
Understanding the history adds another layer to the experience. As you ride through the tunnels and over the trestles, you're traversing a path that was once a lifeline for commerce and travel, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance against the odds.
Navigating the Tunnels and Trestles
The trestle bridges are equally impressive, soaring high above the forest floor and offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some of these structures are incredibly tall, providing a sense of scale and wonder. It's important to stay aware of other riders and maintain a safe speed, particularly on the bridges and near tunnel entrances.
Pro Tip: The return shuttle drops you near the entrance of the long tunnel, meaning you'll go through it twice. The second time is often less intimidating as you know what to expect. Ensure your lights are fully charged, and consider bringing a backup light source for added safety and a better experience.
Bike Rentals and Shuttle Logistics
The shuttle service is a convenient way to complete the 15-mile downhill ride without having to pedal back to the start. It picks up riders at various points along the trail and returns them to the main trailhead. However, be prepared for potential long waits for the shuttle, particularly on weekends and holidays. Some visitors opt to ride their bikes back up the trail, which is a manageable but more strenuous option, especially with an e-bike.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit