Chasing History on the Trail of the Hiawatha: A Rail to Trails to Remember

One way of life fades into memory and another rises

Imagine you’re about to start cycling one of the most stunning trails in the world. It’s piece of American railroad history that has been transformed into the jewel of cycling in the Pacific Northwest: The Route of the Hiawatha.

It’s a gorgeous September day. You helmet up, settle onto your bike with other riders, then slide into nearly utter darkness, dripping ceilings and spraying mud for ten minutes.

The 1.661 mile long St. Paul Pass or Taft tunnel, which burrows smoothly under through Bitterroots, is your start to the adventure.

Some folks sang, some shouted, many of us laughed. The tiny light on my handlebars, provided by Northwest Discoveries (sister company to Oregon River Experiences), jittered on the floor, revealing silvery mud.

The cool air and dampness stroked our faces as mud splatters painted our bike bags and jackets. There was just enough light to see several riders ahead.

Ten minutes later, the tunnel spat us out the other side into the brilliant early fall sunshine and seventy-ish temperatures.