Iron Horse State Park, Rail trail in Cascade Mountains, Washington
Iron Horse State Park is a rail trail that spans 300 miles from the Cascade Mountains to the Idaho border. The route passes through changing landscapes with diverse geological formations and varying elevations throughout the journey.
The trail follows the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad line that was abandoned in 1980. Following the closure, the railroad infrastructure was converted into a recreation trail open to the public.
The path takes its name from the John Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders Association, which organized annual horse and wagon journeys across the state. Today, hikers and cyclists use the route as a passage through remote mountain communities.
Several access points allow entry to different sections, and many have basic facilities at trailheads. For the Snoqualmie Tunnel passage, bring a powerful flashlight since the tunnel is quite dark.
The longest railroad tunnel in the world, the Snoqualmie Tunnel, is part of this trail and runs roughly 2 miles underground. Walking through it gives visitors a sense of how the old railroad carved through the mountains.
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