Hiawatha Trail opens Saturday
<p>Brad and Robin Haws pass through a tunnel on the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail that was once a railroad. The trail will be opening for the season on Saturday.</p>
<p>Cyclists can experience a birds's eye view of the Idaho National Forest from the trestles of the Hiawatha bike trail.</p>
The scenic 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha mountain bike trail between the old town site of Taft, Mont., to the North Fork of the St. Joe River near Avery opens on Saturday.
The trial, which utilizes the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad grade, will be open daily through Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The trail includes the 1.7-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel. It has 10 tunnels and seven trestles as high as 230 feet within the Loop Creek Canyon at the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains.
Shuttle buses are available to transport bikers and their bikes to the top.
There are historical and interpretive signs along the way. It is open to bikers from children to seniors.
Trail passes, shuttle tickets, mountain bike rentals, souvenirs and lunches are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area adjacent to the Idaho/Montana line 12 miles east of Wallace.
Call (208) 744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com for information. Equipment reservations are recommended.
Trail fees are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-13. Shuttle tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children 6-13. Light rentals are $5 and helmets $6. Bike rentals start at $20 for children and $30 for adults, which include a helmet and light.