Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail
4.4(651)google
HikingMountainAdventurous
Overview
The Route of the Hiawatha is a world-renowned, breathtaking mountain bike trail that descends through the spectacular Bitterroot Mountains near Kellogg. Spanning 15 miles along an abandoned historic rail line, the all-downhill dirt path takes riders over ten massive, dizzying steel train trestles spanning deep forested valleys and through nine historic train tunnels. The most famous is the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, an incredible 1.6-mile-long cavern bored straight through the mountain that requires bike headlamps, delivering a thrilling, unparalleled cycling adventure for outdoor travelers.
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeSet along a high alpine pass, this historic rail-trail is strictly open from late May to mid-September. The ultimate time to hit the dirt is between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM; the crisp morning mountain air is invigorating as you click on your bike lights and plunge into the darkness of the signature 1.66-mile Taft Tunnel.
Getting ThereStraddling the Idaho-Montana border, driving is mandatory. From Kellogg, take I-90 E east for 28 miles across the state line, take Exit 0 (Taft, Montana), and follow unpaved US Forest Service roads for 2 miles to the East Portal trailhead lot. Flashlights and helmets are required; a paid return shuttle operates at the bottom trail terminus.
Travel Tips
- The 1.6-mile Taft Tunnel is entirely dark, wet, and holds at 40 Fahrenheit year-round; a minimum 300-lumen bicycle headlight and rear blinker are legally mandated.
- The final return shuttle bus leaves the bottom trailhead at 14:15 or 16:15 seasonally; missing this window forces a brutal 15-mile uphill mountain gravel climb.
- The converted rail-trail completely bans all motorized ATVs and Class 3 electric bikes exceeding 750W; standard non-motorized mountain mountain bikes are highly advised.
Reviews
Positive
- Riding 15 miles downhill along an old train grade over towering wooden tressels and deep evergreen chasms is visually breath-taking.
- Cycling through 9 historic rail tunnels, including the pitch-black 1.6-mile Taft Tunnel, creates an unparalleled sense of adventure.
- The operational management is superb, running highly frequent return shuttle buses that rescue tired riders at the bottom trail.
- The main lodge rents premium mountain bikes with high-lumen headlamps and kid trailers, ensuring a safe, elite-tier cycling experience.
Heads up
- Combining trail permits, shuttle tickets, and full bike/light rentals adds up quickly, making it a very expensive family outing.
- The long tunnels feature constant ceiling drips and slick, freezing black mud that splatters all over your back and clothing.
- Peak summer weekends trigger serious congestion inside narrow tunnels and bridges, leading to chaotic overtaking bottlenecks.
- Operates on a highly strict seasonal calendar; daily return shuttle cutoff hours are rigid, forcing you to constantly watch the clock.