Our History

Railroad Heritage

Late 1800s

Late 1800s

Railroad Expansion Begins

In the late 1800s the Milwaukee Road was a prosperous railroad out of Chicago that had over 6,000 miles of track in the upper Midwest. Experiencing competition from other rail lines, the company decided to expand west to take advantage of the expanding West Coast markets, as well as the Pacific Rim trade.

Late 1900s

Exploration and Route Planning

The route proposed for the new line was through the rugged Bitterroot Mountains. The exploration and reconnaissance crews reportedly covered over 2,000 miles crossing the territory of many Tribal nations along the way in country that was wild, with very few trails, and virtually no maps.

The exploration work on the Montana side began in November, 1904. The exploration on the Idaho side began in May, 1905. In November of 1905, the Milwaukee Railroad Board of Directors formally approved the line’s extension to Seattle-Tacoma, Washington.

1900s – 1910s

Construction and Early Operations

By early in 1907 the construction work began. The cost of the project which was originally estimated at $45 million, ended up exceeding $234 million. All in all it took nearly 9,000 men working together from 1906 to 1911 to construct this Pacific extension.

Intercontinental freight service on the new line began on July 4, 1909, with passenger service following six days thereafter.

1910s

Fire, Innovation, and Growth

In August of 1910 one of the most devastating forest fires in recorded American history burned 2.5 to 3 million acres. Reportedly over 600 lives were saved by railroad employees who drove engines and box cars filled with people through the flames to the safety of the longer tunnels.

After this disastrous fire, the Milwaukee Road electrified the line between Avery and Harlowton, Montana,
a distance of 440 miles. This innovation was the first use of electrification over an extended distance.

1920s – 1940s

Railroad Expansion Begins

In the late 1800s the Milwaukee Road was a prosperous railroad out of Chicago that had over 6,000 miles of track in the upper Midwest. Experiencing competition from other rail lines, the company decided to expand west to take advantage of the expanding West Coast markets, as well as the Pacific Rim trade.

1960s – 1980

Railroad Expansion Begins

In the late 1800s the Milwaukee Road was a prosperous railroad out of Chicago that had over 6,000 miles of track in the upper Midwest. Experiencing competition from other rail lines, the company decided to expand west to take advantage of the expanding West Coast markets, as well as the Pacific Rim trade.

Interpretive Signs

There are 47 interpretive signs found on the Route of the Hiawatha. Click the sign name to view the image.

Tickets & Rentals

Trail Ticket Pricing

All tickets include trail access. Shuttle passes are included on weekends and holidays, optional on weekdays.

All tickets include:

Trail access pass

Trail map

Access to all 10 tunnels & 7 trestles

Trailhead restrooms & parking

Adult Trail Pass

Most Common

Ages 13 and up. Weekend price includes shuttle.

$12 / person

$17 / person

Book Now

Child Trail Pass

Ages 5–12. Must be with a paying adult. Kids 4 & under free.

$7 / person

$12 / person

Book Now

Shuttle Pass Add-On

Weekday only. Return shuttle from Pearson to Roland. Included on weekends.

$5 / person

Included

Add to Ticket

Adult Rental Bike

Comfort or standard bike. Includes helmet & headlamp.

$30 / bike

$35 / bike

Add Rental

E-Bike Upgrade

Pedal-assist e-bike. Includes helmet, headlamp, and special shuttle transport.

$65 / bike

Add E-Bike

Holiday rates (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th weekend, Labor Day) are the same as Friday-Sunday rates. Prices may change from year to year. Reservations are recommended but not required.

THE HIAWATHA TRAIL

About the Hiawatha Trail

The Route of the Hiawatha is a scenic mountain bike and hike trail that runs 15 miles through the Bitterroot Mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. The trail follows the route of the old Milwaukee Road railroad, passing through 10 tunnels and crossing 7 sky-high trestles.

The centerpiece is the 1.66-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel, which burrows through the Continental Divide at 5,200 feet elevation. The trail descends gently from the East Portal trailhead to the Pearson trailhead, making it accessible for riders of all skill levels, from young children to seniors.

Getting There

The trail is located at Lookout Pass Ski Area on the Montana-Idaho border, just off Interstate 90. The main parking area is at the East Portal, 2 miles from Taft Exit 5 off I-90. Follow the signs to the East Portal Hiawatha parking lot.

Season & Hours

The trail typically opens in late May and runs through mid-September, operating 7 days a week rain or shine. The trail, trailheads, and facilities open at 8:30 AM. Plan to be on the trail no later than 1:00 PM to comfortably finish and catch the return shuttle.

THE TRAIL

Shuttle Schedule & Pricing

Shuttle buses operate every day the trail is open between the Pearson and Roland trailheads

2026 Season: May 22 through September 13

The trail operates 7 days a week, rain or shine. Reservations are not currently being accepted.

Early Season (May 22 – June 5)

The Trail, Trailheads, and Facilities open at 8:30 AM (PST). Shuttles from Pearson to Roland start loading at 11:00 AM, with the last shuttle loading at 4:15 PM.

Peak Season (June 5 – August 30)

Shuttles from Pearson up to Roland start loading at 11:00 AM, with the last shuttle loading at 4:15 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays (unless Monday is a holiday), shuttles start loading at approximately 10:45 AM. Last shuttle up is at 5:45 PM.

On Sundays not followed by a holiday, the last shuttle up is at 5:00 PM.

Late Season (August 31 – September 13)

Trail opens at 8:30 AM. Shuttles from Pearson to Roland start loading at approximately 11:00 AM, with the last shuttle loading at 4:15 PM.

How the Shuttle Works

Shuttle buses operate between the Pearson and Roland trailheads only. Hiawatha shuttles do not transport guests to or from Lookout Pass Ski Area.

Seating is first-come, first-served. Some buses hold 24 people, larger buses hold 48. Buses leave as soon as they fill up. On busy days, guests arriving at the bottom after 12:30 PM may encounter wait times of 30-45 minutes or more.

NOTE: Special shuttle rates apply for e-bikes, fat-tire bikes, recumbents, trikes, and other specialty equipment due to their size and weight requiring special staffing and equipment.

KNOW THE RULES

Safety Rules & Etiquette

Lookout Pass Ski Area and the USFS have some basic rules for the safe operation of the
Route of the Hiawatha Rail-Trail. These rules apply to everyone, at all times. Please ride
safely and be courteous of others.

01

Helmets are highly recommended and required for riders under 18

In compliance with Idaho state law. Lights are mandatory. We recommend lights with 300-400 lumens or more. Concrete fall and rockfall hazards exist in each tunnel.

02

Adult supervision is required for all children under the age of 14

03

All trail users must purchase a ticket and display it on your bicycle

While on the trail. We suggest attaching the ticket to the crossbar of your bicycle with a rubber band.

04

Stay to the right

Be courteous of oncoming riders and stay to the right. If you are riding uphill, please yield to downhill travelers.

Trail Etiquette

Go slow, use casual speeds. This is a scenic trail, not a race course.
Keep right, pass others on your left, and say “Passing, on your left” before passing.
Pets are not allowed. Service animals only.
Use restrooms at the trailheads; Roland, Adair & at the bottom of the trail.
Do not throw rocks or other items from or off a trestle. There may be people below.
View wildlife from a distance. Do not attempt to feed or pet a wild animal.

NOTE: There are numerous tunnels and high trestles. This route is not recommended for people with claustrophobia or fear of heights.

All Mountain Events

Events Calendar & Promotions

Summer Activities

Lorem Ipsum

Heading 1

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam a nisi eu dolor tincidunt scelerisque vitae in quam. Nullam pharetra neque a risus placerat, sed semper ipsum feugiat. Nam venenatis rutrum neque, in sollicitudin nisi luctus a.