Plan Your Visit
WHAT TO BRING
A complete packing guide for your Hiawatha ride — from tunnel gear to trail snacks.
The Hiawatha trail is a 15-mile downhill ride through mountain wilderness — 10 tunnels, 7 trestles, and no services along the way. What you bring with you is what you’ve got.
The trail sits at 4,000–5,200 feet in elevation, and the tunnels drop temperatures to around 45°F even on hot summer days. Rain can roll in fast, and the ride takes 2–4 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
If you’re renting gear from Lookout Pass, bikes, helmets, and headlamps are included. But there are a few things you’ll want to bring yourself.
Trailside Temps
Summer highs range from 65–85°F on exposed sections. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Inside the Tunnels
Expect 40–50°F with dripping water. It’s dark, cold, and wet — layers and a headlamp are essential
Mountain Weather
Rain shows up without warning at this elevation. A light rain jacket can save your entire ride.
THE ESSENTIALS
Must-Haves for Every Rider
Headlamp or Bike Light
Non-negotiable. The St. Paul Pass Tunnel is 1.66 miles of complete darkness. Included with rentals, but bring a backup if you have one.
Warm Layer
A fleece or light jacket for the tunnels. Even in July, it’s 45°F inside with dripping water. You’ll be glad you packed it.
Rain Jacket
Lightweight and packable. Mountain weather shifts fast, and there’s no shelter on most of the trail.
Water
There are no water sources on the trail. Bring at least one full bottle — two on hot days. A hydration pack works great.
Snacks
Energy bars, trail mix, fruit — whatever keeps you going. The ride takes 2–4 hours, and you’ll burn more than you think.
About the Tunnels
The longest tunnel is 1.66 miles of complete darkness. Temperatures inside hover around 45°F, and water drips constantly from the ceiling. A working headlamp and a warm layer aren’t optional — they’re required for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Recommended
For Consideration
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Long exposed stretches at elevation. The sun is stronger up here than you’d expect.
Camera or Phone
The trestle views are worth stopping for. Secure it in a pocket or chest mount — you’ll need both hands in the tunnels.
Gloves
Lightweight cycling or work gloves. Your hands get cold in the tunnels and sore on the handlebars over 15 miles.
Small First Aid Kit / Medications
Band-aids, antiseptic, ibuprofen and any medications you personally might need. There’s no medical support on the trail itself so plan to bring any medication you may need for a 4+ hr excursion. (Example: epi-pens- allergy medication, or diabetes medicine)
Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and horseflies show up in July and August, especially near the
creek crossings.
Pro Tips
From People Who’ve Ridden It
Dress in Layers
You’ll go from warm sun to freezing tunnel and back again multiple times. Layers you can strip on and off beat one heavy jacket every time.
Pack a Dry Bag
A small dry bag or large zip-lock keeps your phone and snacks safe from tunnel drips. Learned this one the hard way.
Start Early
The first shuttle leaves at 11:00 AM. Earlier riders get lighter crowds in the tunnels and better light for trestle photos.
Ready to Ride?
Gear up and grab your tickets — the trail is waiting.
Continue Planning
More from Plan Your Visit
Directions & Parking
GPS coordinates, driving directions from Missoula and Spokane, and trailhead parking details.
Rules & Etiquette
Trail rules, safety guidelines, and etiquette for making the ride great for everyone.
History
From railroad construction in 1906 to the world-class trail it is today — over a century of stories.