Iron Goat Trail, Mountain hiking trail in King County, United States.
Iron Goat Trail runs 6 miles through forest terrain, connecting old railway tunnels, concrete snow sheds, and mountain views in a single path. The route follows the original rail bed and displays infrastructure remains from the railway construction era.
The railway line opened in 1893 and served as a key transport link across mountain passes until 1929. This section was then abandoned when newer routes took over this function.
The trail preserves the memory of Japanese workers who played a crucial role in building the original railway line. Their labor shapes how visitors understand the settlement history of this mountain region today.
The main access point is at Martin Creek Trailhead, where parking is available but has limited vehicle spots during peak times. The walk is accessible for different fitness levels if visitors choose specific sections and take breaks regularly.
Mileage markers along the route still show distances to Chicago, a remnant from when the railway was part of a continental network. These markings reveal the geographic orientation and reach of the historical railroad.
Location: King County
GPS coordinates: 47.71143,-121.16167
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:08
Washington holds far more than the well-known attractions of Seattle and Mount Rainier. Across the state, dozens of less-visited sites offer insight into the region's geological history, military past, and natural diversity. From waterfalls to ancient forests to historic lighthouses and military fortifications, Washington presents a substantial range of landscapes and cultural sites. Palouse Falls in Franklin County drops 198 feet (60 meters) into a basalt gorge, while Cape Flattery at the northwesternmost point of the continental United States looks out over jagged cliffs and the open Pacific. Ape Caves in Skamania County is one of the longest lava tube systems in the country, and Beacon Rock rises 848 feet (260 meters) above the Columbia River. The Trail of the Patriarchs leads through centuries-old Douglas firs and cedars, and Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey Island to the mainland via a 180-foot (55-meter) steel structure from 1935. Fort Worden in Port Townsend served as a coastal defense installation, and the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle documents the Asian American history of the Pacific Northwest. Dry Falls in Grant County shows the remains of an Ice Age waterfall that was once wider than Niagara Falls. Mima Mounds in Thurston County forms a field of hundreds of symmetrical earth mounds whose formation continues to be scientifically debated. These sites offer practical alternatives to the crowded main attractions and allow for deeper engagement with Washington's natural and historical features.
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