Route of the Hiawatha now open
Photo by CHANSE WATSON/ A view looking down from one of the trestle bridges on the Route of the Hiawatha.
TAFT, MONT. – The scenic Route of the Hiawatha Trail, off Interstate-90 near the Idaho-Montana line that follows the Old Milwaukee Railroad bed, is now open.
The famous bike ride begins high atop the Bitterroot Mountains along the Idaho/Montana border when you enter the massive 1.661 mile long St. Paul/Taft Tunnel, built in 1908. When riders emerge, they follow the historic rail trail which incorporates nine cavernous train tunnels and crosses 7 sky-high trestles.
There are 50 historical markers along the 15-mile trail as well.
Riders and hikers can also venture past sparkling mountain creeks and wildlife such as deer, elk and moose- all while enjoying endless views of the Bitterroot Mountains.
The Route of the Hiawatha is open seven days a week through Sept. 22. Trail hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trail passes and rental bikes and helmets are available at Lookout Pass Ski area about 5 miles to the west of the trailhead. Bikers need lights with 300 to 400 lumens for the tunnels.
The all-downhill ride is appropriate for individuals and families of all ages. Children ages 5 and up who know how to ride a bike around the neighborhood have finished this gravel trail on fixed-speed bicycles.
Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area operates the trail and can be located by taking I-90 to Exit 0 on the Idaho/Montana Line.
For more Information, visit www.RideTheHiawatha.com, or call 208-744-1301.