The Crown Jewel of rail-to-trail mountain bike trails, the Route of the Hiawatha - Scenic Bike Trail, is open daily Friday, May 24 through September 15th, for the 2024 summer season. 

This 15 mile all downhill trail utilizes the old Milwaukee Road railbed and includes 10 dark train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles. It's located at the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass Ski Area. 

A HIGHLIGHT of the trail is the 1.66 mile long St. Paul Pass Tunnel #20 which burrows under the Idaho/Montana state line.  The best part is.... it's all a gentle downhill grade averaging 1.5 to 2% downhill with shuttle buses available to take you, and your bike, back to the top. 

HISTORY LESSONS: There are 50 interpretive signs along the trail that describe the rich railroad history and significant events that occurred during the construction and operating years of this segment of the last transcontinental railroad built in the USA (Construction took place from 1907-1909).

Lookout Pass Ski Area operates the trail and is the base camp for bike rentals, day use trail & shuttle tickets, food service including picnic lunches, information and maps, retail and souvenir shop. 

Helmets and lights are required for all users and are available for rent at the mountain. They are included at no additional charge when you rent a bike from us. 

Reservations are suggested and may be made on-line at www.RideTheHiawatha.com.  Those with their own bikes, helmets and lights can just go to the East Portal trailhead and purchase your trail and if desired shuttle tickets from a Trail Marshal right there. 

The Hiawatha is a family friendly trail that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ability levels.  In general, a strong 5 year old can ride from top to bottom.  Burley trailers for young kids and tag-a-longs for those 5-6 yrs old are also available for rent.  Those wishing to bypass the St. Paul Pass Tunnel may do so by driving to the Roland trailhead but be forewarned this is not an easy drive and at times the road is 1.5 vehicles wide but has two way traffice. There are 5 restroom facilites along the route.

Happy trails!