Hello Hiawatha
<p>SHAWN GUST/Press file Brad and Robin Haws, of Spokane, pass through a tunnel on the Route of the Hiawatha bike trial that was once a railroad.</p>
<p>SHAWN GUST/Press file Cyclists can experience a bird's eye view of the Idaho National Forest from the trestles of the Hiawatha bike trail.</p>
Last year, the "Route of the Hiawatha" saw 37,502 visitors, a new record for the fifth straight year.
Expect another record-crowd this year, as Hiawatha opens for the season Saturday.
"Word of this unique trail continues to spread around the globe and repeat business has increased over the years as folks make this an annual event," said Phil Edholm, president and CEO of Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.
The 1.66 mile long St. Paul Pass Tunnel continues to be a highlight of the trail.
"The Clear Creek trestle offers outstanding views and a fun hike for those wishing to venture off the trail along Clear Creek to discover an old mill site about a mile away," he said.
The Route of the Hiawatha has become a tourism draw that certainly provides economic stimulus to the local communities when these visitors frequent the various merchants, restaurants and lodging properties.
This 15-mile "rail-to-trail" mountain bike or hike trail utilizes the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad grade between the old town site of Taft, Mont., and the North Fork of the St. Joe River near Avery.
The Hiawatha includes 10 tunnels and seven trestles as high as 230 feet within the Loop Creek canyon at the crest of the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains.
The trail is considered the "crown jewel" of all rail-to-trail projects in the country and delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure for riders from around the world.
"The best part is, it's all downhill with a gentle 1.6 percent average grade that drops 1,000 feet over the 15-mile length with shuttle buses available to transport you and your bike back to the top," acccording to a press release. "A wide variety of ability levels from young children to super seniors can enjoy the trail and its numerous historical and interpretive signs."
Wildlife sightings of moose, elk and deer are a frequent treat. Trail passes, shuttle tickets, mountain bike rentals, souvenirs and picnic lunches are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana border 12 miles east of Wallace.
Trail use fees are $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 13. Shuttle tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children.
Bike rentals start at $30 for adults, which includes helmet and light. Children start at $20.
Info: 744-1301 or www.ridethehiawatha.com for trail information. Equipment reservations are recommended. The Hiawatha Trail is open daily through Sept. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.