Route of the Hiawatha

About the trail

The Route of the Hiawatha follows the old Milwaukee Railroad grade through the Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The trail runs from Roland, just below the West Portal of the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, to Pearson, roughly 15 miles on a gentle 1.7% downhill grade. If you'd rather not ride back uphill, a shuttle bus runs from Pearson back to the top.

The best part is the Taft Tunnel, which runs 1.6 miles beneath the Bitterroot Mountains at the Idaho-Montana state line. It's completely dark inside, so bring a light. When you come out at the West Portal, there's a waterfall waiting for you.

The Route of the Hiawatha reopens May 22, 2026, and it's open 7 days a week through September 13, 2026.

Trail highlights

• Taft Tunnel: It runs 1.6 miles beneath the Bitterroot Mountains and it's completely dark inside, so bring a light. Inside, an interpretive sign marks the Idaho-Montana state line where the two construction crews met in 1907.
• West Portal waterfall: Heading west, you come out of the Taft Tunnel to a waterfall, and it's one of the most memorable moments on the trail.
• Eight tunnels and seven trestles: Every tunnel and trestle feels a little different, and the trestles give you big views of the valley below.
• Shuttle bus: If you only want to ride the downhill, the shuttle takes you from the Pearson Trailhead back to Roland.
• Rail-Trail Hall of Fame: The Hiawatha was inducted in 2010 alongside the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, which puts it among the best rail trails in the country.

Practical info

• 15 miles from Roland to Pearson on a 1.7% downhill grade
• Gravel surface, so mountain bikes and e-bikes work best
• Shuttle bus available from Pearson back to Roland
• Bring a light for the tunnels, because they're completely dark
• Open May 22 through September 13, 2026
• About 90 minutes from Coeur d'Alene via I-90