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Ride Summary:
Follows old abandon railroad with a highlight of the Snoqualmie tunnel.
Trail Description:
From the parking lot continue east on the paved road. At 1.1 turn right on to the dirt road. At 2.2 reach the railroad grade at a 4 way. turn left and go through a gate. At 4.2 pass by the trail to McClellan Butte. 8.8 cross a trestle. At 11.5 pass around an old avalanche shed. 13.4 you will reach the Snoqualmie tunnel. This is a good turn around point though you can follow this to Spokane if you chose. Retrace your tire tracks back to the car.
Most of the summer, the tunnel is open to hikers and bikers. Bring a couple lights because it is about a mile long and is EXTREMELY dark.
How to get there:
drive east on I-90 to exit 38. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp, drive .8 miles and pull into a gravel parking area on the right.
Additional Notes:
If you decide to explore the tunnel be sure to bring lights.
| Posted by: Sara on 6/29/2006 |
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My favorite trail in the summer...but we refer to is as the Iron Horse Trail. We start from Rattlesnake Lake (exit 32 on 90-E) and it's about 24 miles from there to the tunnel. (Good park service maps are available at Rattlensnake Lake too.) Gentle but steady uphill to the tunnel -- bring a good light and a warm jacket for the tunnel, even in summer! It's cold, dark and wet. Camping is an option, there are several tent pads along the trail before and after the tunnel. Trail gets crowded on holiday weekends with hikers and bikers. Watch for snow near the top in spring, we went in May and it was chilly and about 4" deep (had to walk the bikes). Tunnel closures are sporadic in early spring -- the general opening date is May 1 but have been there as late as May 15th to find it still closed. Don't expect to be far from civilization, this trail parallels I-90 the whole way. Pretty scenery though!
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| Posted by: dee on 8/15/2002 |
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THIS TRAIL IS A NICE AND PLEASANT BIKE RIDE WITH RESTROOMS STATIONED EVERY FEW MILES. I WOULD ADVISE TO BRING AN EXTRA LAYER OF CLOTHING IF YOU PLAN ON GOING INTO THE TUNNEL..IT'S PRETTY CHILLY EVEN THOUGH THE OUTSIDE MAY BE WARM. YOU NEED SOME POWERFUL LIGHT TOO..A FLASHLIGHT MAY BE TOO DIM.
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| Posted by: TNT on 10/1/2001 |
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Nice family ride from the Rattlesnake Lake parking lot. The new 6 million interpretive center is opening soon. It is a low rolling grade to the tunnel. Don't even think of entering the tunnel unless you have lights,visibility is sketchy. Great ride in the fall-colors and views are outstanding.
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| Posted by: dbishop on 6/9/2000 |
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The tunnel is NOT 1 mile long. It is a little over 2 miles long. It stays wet also. Plan on getting a little wet on the feet.
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| Posted by: Randy on 12/19/1999 |
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Tunnel is 2.2 miles long, and can be done carefully if you forget your light. The trail is smooth. You just pedal or walk toward the distant light spot. Further downhill, the Hall Creek trestle is now repaired. Great ride or long walk.
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| Posted by: Glenn Wehmeyer on 10/2/1999 |
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Watch out during hunting season. Lots of hunters shooting off guns.
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| Posted by: Rick Morgan on 10/1/1999 |
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Note that the Tunnel is closed from October 15- April 15 each year.Also- there isn't much to see in the tunnel, its dark and wet.
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| Posted by: Experienced Rider on 5/15/1999 |
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The tunnel is 2.25 miles long and not only dark, but very cold, even in mid-summer. You will not be able to "ride to Spokane" unless you bring a boat to cross the Columbia, and plenty of money to bail yourself out of jail for trespass (parts of the old Milwaukie RR are closed to the public).
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