Biking Idaho: A Route of the Hiawatha Adventure: Tunnels, Trestles, and Thrills

Embark on a biking adventure like no other as we explore the mesmerizing Route of the Hiawatha. Nestled within the majestic Bitterroot Mountains, this iconic trail spans over 15 miles of historic railway turned biking bliss. The journey kicks off at the East Portal Trailhead in Montana, where the echoes of the past whisper tales of the old railway's glory.

The trail's crown jewel is the Taft Tunnel, a 1.6-mile-long passage enveloped in darkness and mystery. As your bike light pierces through the shadows, you'll experience the thrill of traversing the longest tunnel on the route, and the second longest rail trail tunnel in the US. But the adventure doesn't stop there – traverse high trestles and bridges, conquer St. Paul Pass for an elevation high, and marvel at the Loop Creek Trestle's breathtaking views. The Route of the Hiawatha promises an unforgettable ride through nature's grandeur and historical intrigue. Every pedal stroke unveils a new chapter in this outdoor escapade, making it a must-experience trail for biking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Come along and join the journey as we soak in the beauty and history of the Route of the Hiawatha! This ride took place September 1, 2023.

#Biketrails #railtrail #ebike #Bikeriding #electricbike #idaho

[brentcollins]

What an AWESOME trail and lovely music

[garyseckel]

So much beauty to see! Totally incredible!
Thanks for sharing!

[dtbiz]

I remember when I took a Train ride through this this trail to Chicago in 1960. I can still see it.

[kristidubois]

That little critter was actually a youngster golden-mantled ground squirrel, not a chipmunk. We rode the Hiawatha in late summer last year, and that little beggar was doing his thing on the trestle. I discouraged him from climbing on my bike. Too many people had been feeding him, I expect. Rabies is highly unlikely, but any of these rodents can carry hantavirus and some other diseases. We took the shuttle and spent more time waiting for it than the actual shuttle ride took. We were on our regular bikes, but next time we will take our class 1 ebikes and ride back up. It is a bit of a hump to ride up on regular bikes, unless you have better knees than I do. This is one of the nicer videos I've seen on the Hiawatha, so great job! I very much enjoy your bicycling videos.

[BigSherm]

So beautiful it actually brought tears to my eyes.

[wheelzandgillz]

I've tried watching this several times on my phone and I just can't do it! There's soo much to take in I need to watch it on the big screen, thank you soo much!! With the dreamy winter wonderland music I kept imagining how beautiful the trail must look with some snow on the trees

[johnsampson]

I'm watching this video on 6/05/2024. Very nicely done. Next Monday (6/10) I'll be driving from Boise to Avery, and on Tuesday I'll be riding from Avery to the East Portal and back down again. A 50-mile round trip, and I get to go through the scary, long tunnel twice. I hope the weather is as nice as you had.

[tjolsonmcse]

That chipmunk said, "Look how cute I am, maybe you could drop some trail mix?"

[stevenwarner]

OOPS. I had a thought about having coffee with you guys. It would be great to talk with both of you. Here in New Hampshire that is. Just a thought. Anyway. Thank you for these posts. This trail is pretty epic. Wow. You share dreams. 👍

[meltedcubetv]

Great video with one camera. Informative. Keep em coming…

[rochrides]

Love you videos and your zest for adventure, god bless you both

[gearadventures]

Another great video, looks like an amazing trail to ride on in a beautiful location.

[letsridebikes]

Looks like an amazing trip. Now I must go

[Airtruksrus]

Loved riding the trail down and back up as well, beautiful views, definitely worth the fee. Trying to get to get another friend to ride it next time.

[JB-npxi]

After going thu the tunnel at the state line toward Montana, (in a company truck was fun). Once you go tru it to on the Montana side, there is a tight curve with a campground. Being tight, lots of cars de-railed over the years. Look on the outside of the curve. Some ore nuggets may still be some there.

[JB-npxi]

When it was first being built around 2001, I was working on the Touch America fiber line and renting a room in an old motel in Smelterville Idaho. They were just starting it. I would ride up toward Walace and chost back down. Fee??? When I rode it, it was being built. Harrison Bridge was far off at that time. Trains (bike path) carried silver/lead ore from the mines for smelting (Smelterville) Idaho, all containing high amounts of heavy metals. I used to pick up chunks of silver/lead ore from old train wrecks. Could only go about 2mi past Smelterville, rest was under construction.

[pedrofernandez]

Great video, but you did not mention if they had given you any problems since you had e bikes with throttles. Also I wish we had seen the beginning of the ride a little more detailed, like where do you leave your vehicle and getting tickets and all.

[Ebiketips]

What city is the starting point for the trail and where is the closest hotel? Where to begin😀

[MsAutie]

So what tunnel was the scariest you've been on?