Imagine riding your mountain bike into a dark, cavernous tunnel in a remote forest in Montana, only your headlight guides the way.
You continue riding, and after a few minutes, all traces of civilization disappear. Pay no attention to the dripping or rushing water, you’re perfectly safe. If you’re not claustrophobic, and continue riding for almost two miles, the darkness yields to the light at the end of the tunnel. When you emerge slightly damp, you’re in Idaho.
The path continues, giving way to a 300-foot bridge trestle over a deep gorge. The journey continues down a 2-percent grade descending 1000-feet over the next 17 miles, passing through eight more tunnels and across seven high steel trestles.
The Route of the Hiawatha is like no other trail, anywhere on earth. Built by the railroad at great expense circa 1910 and abandoned in 1961, travelers lavished in fancy train cars on a scenic voyage through the Bitteroot mountains. The long gone opulence is now a well-maintained bike trail.
Depending on your fitness and determination, it’s possible to ride down to the bottom, and back to the top again in a day. The 2-percent grade is not that bad, but can take a toll if you’re already tired. Get started early in the day if you choose this option. Another option is to take your time, take pictures, and grab the shuttle bus back to the top. Allow yourself about 2 1/2-to-3 hours to ride down at a leisurely pace.
Because of the remoteness, a trail Marshall, also a cyclist, is somewhere along the trail at all times, ready to assist. But remember, the Marshall leaves at dusk. If you don’t make it back to the top by sundown, you’re on your own. There is a minimal charge to get on the trail, but it’s well-spent.
Itinerary
The Route of the Hiawatha is remote. The nearest town is Mullan Idaho, it’s small and without adequate facilities. Plan to stay in Wallace Idaho. It’s a trendy, yet antiquated town snuggled between steep hills on the interstate. Wallace is an experience in itself, plan on spending some time there. If you have the time, ride the infamous Coeur D’Alene bike path, a 72-mile long bike trail that passes through the center of town.
From Wallace, take interstate 90 for 11 miles to the Lookout Pass Ski area to rent a mountain bike. If you already have a bike, proceed directly to the trailhead, 2 miles south of the ski area. But remember, you’re not allowed on the trail without a headlight.
Young and old, fit or not, roadie or weekend cruiser only, the Hiawatha Trail is doable for almost anyone with an adventuresome spirit. Check it out if you get the chance.