Lookout Pass, Id. — The scenic Hiawatha Trail on the border of Idaho and Montana opens Friday, May 22nd.
The trail follows the old path of the Milwaukee Road railroad company. It’s a fifteen mile downhill ride with a shuttle back to the top. Even though it’s downhill, you still have to pedal because the grade of the railroad bed isn’t steep enough to let gravity do the work.
The trail offers spectacular views of the Bitterroot mountains and creeks. The ride takes you over towering trestles and through multiple tunnels.
The Taft Tunnel is 1.66 miles long, gets completely dark and carries you from Montana into Idaho. Make sure to have your lights ready to go.
The trailhead, East Portal, is accessible from exit 5 off Interstate 90 in Montana. From the exit, head south on Route 506 and follow the signs for 2 miles.
Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased online here or at Lookout Pass Ski Resort or East Portal Trailhead.
The trail is open 8:30am to 5pm daily.
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