One of the most scenic rail-trail rides in the country, crossing tunnels, trestles, and the rugged Bitterroot Mountains.
Event Overview
The Route of the Hiawatha was once called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country. When the Milwaukee Railroad was operating, trains crossed the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana through 11 tunnels and over 9 high trestles along a 46-mile route.
The Route of the Hiawatha is most famous for the long St. Paul Pass, also known as the Taft Tunnel, which stretches 8,771 feet — about 1.66 miles — beneath the Bitterroot Mountains at the state line. This ride covers a beautiful and historic segment of that pathway.
Logistics
This is a meetup-style event. Lodging, trail tickets, equipment rentals, and transportation are on your own.
We will meet at the Lookout Pass Lodge at 9:30 AM on August 31, then caravan to the East Portal Trailhead or the Roland Trailhead, located about 20 minutes past Lookout Pass Ski Area on the Montana side.
Lodging Suggestions
The recommended lodging option is the
Wallace Inn
for two nights, checking in August 30, riding August 31, and checking out September 1.
The Wallace Inn has a restaurant, pool, and hot tub, and is about a 10-minute walk to downtown Wallace. Estimated cost is about $195 per night with taxes and fees.
Pricing estimates were from Booking.com on May 14, 2026.
Trail Tickets and Rentals
You will buy your own trail tickets online and rent any needed equipment directly through the Route of the Hiawatha.
You will need to purchase a Trail Pass, $20, and a Shuttle Pass, $20, if you do not want to ride back uphill.
Route Options
Top to Bottom with Shuttle
The ride from East Portal at the top to Pearson at the bottom is 14.4 miles and is a gentle 1.6% to 2% downhill ride most of the way. With photos, historical markers, and scenery stops, this portion should take about 2 to 3 hours.
The wait for the shuttle at the bottom varies, but the average wait is about 45 minutes. The shuttle ride takes about 30 minutes. The shuttle returns riders to Roland, where you will bike back through the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, adding about 1.7 miles and another 15 to 20 minutes of ride time.
Total mileage for this option is about 15 to 16 miles.
Top to Bottom to Top without Shuttle
The full ride down and back up is almost 30 miles with about 984 feet of total elevation. This is a good option for riders who are comfortable spending more time in the saddle and do not mind some climbing.
What Kind of Bike Do I Need?
You will be most comfortable using a mountain bike or gravel bike, but almost any bike can work. Certain e-bikes are restricted, so check the rules before bringing one. A skinny-tire road bike is not recommended.
Helmets and bike lights are required. Bike rentals are available at Lookout Pass and can be delivered to the trailhead if needed. Bike rentals include helmets and lights. Helmet and light rentals are also available separately.
E-Bike and Specialty Bike Note
E-bikes, trikes, recumbents, and heavier or fat tire bikes will cost an additional $15 to shuttle.
These bikes are heavier or bulkier and do not fit into the standard rack system on the bus. You must select this option when making your shuttle reservation, or you will need to pay the additional amount before your bike will be shuttled.