Route of the Hiawatha
A mostly downhill rail-trail crosses long dark tunnels and high trestles, with shuttle logistics, lights, weather, and braking skill as important as scenery.
Artwork inspired by Romey Stuckart
The Hiawatha follows the former Milwaukee Road across the Idaho–Montana border. The Taft Tunnel creates an immediate 1.66-mile darkness test, while successive trestles and tunnels reveal the engineering needed to hold a railroad grade through steep forest. Stop in signed areas to read construction and fire history instead of treating the ride as continuous coasting.
This is a ticketed, seasonal operation, not an always-open public bike path. Every rider needs a bright light, warm layer, helmet, and reliable brakes; tunnel water and trail grit can soak clothing. Reserve bikes and shuttle seats early, confirm which portal is operating, and know the uphill alternative if the last shuttle is missed.
- Taft Tunnel
- 1.66 miles
- Route
- Mostly downhill rail grade
- Allow
- 4–6 hours
Quick guide
- Reserve
- Pass, bike, and shuttle
- Essential
- Strong light and warm layer
Route logic for Route of the Hiawatha
- Opening question
- Use secure trail passes, equipment, and shuttle plan.
- Reserve
- Compare carry a real headlight, helmet, layers, and sound brakes.
- Read the engineering sequence
- Compare the 1.66-mile Taft Tunnel with high trestles, tunnel drainage, and the steady rail grade before committing to the downhill route.
- Conditions check
- Confirm know shuttle cutoff and cross-border logistics.
Good to know
The official ticket and check-in location may differ from the trail portal, and generic map results can fail. Follow the operator’s confirmation, arrive well before the assigned time, and verify tunnel, shuttle, smoke, and weather status that morning.
Notice these
- 1.66 miles
- Mostly downhill rail grade
- Carry a real headlight, helmet, layers, and sound brakes.