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Iron Horse State Park:
Washington
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Description:
The Iron Horse State Park trail was constructed from the western section of the Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad bed. The 66.5 miles of trail managed by Lake Easton Area extends from Twin Falls near North Bend above the Snoqualmie River valley, through Snoqualmie Pass, east along the Yakima River valley through riparian woodlands, dry coniferous forest, broadleaf forest, and open agricultural lands to Thorp. Here it connects with the Kittitas section of Iron Horse. The trail elevation descends from 3100' to 1500', not in excess of a 2% grade. There are thirty substantial trestles, 4 tunnels (one of which is 2.3 miles long), two snowsheds, 3 developed trailheads located at South Cle Elum, Easton, and a USFS area at Hyak. The Iron Horse State Park was featured as a 'Trail of the Month' by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Easton trailhead has 2 vault toilets, 5 picnic tables, water, a loading ramp and a 21-vehicle parking lot.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Scenic ride but loose rock.
By MarkR1360 on March 09, 2008
On one trip I rode from Cedar Falls to Hayak round trip and it was a very nice ride. The tunnel just before Hayak was an experience I will not forget. I held my bike light in my hand while riding through the tunnel so that I could get a good view of all the walkers. This proved to be a bad idea since the movement of the flashlight, the tunnel vision and the sounds of the people all combined to bring on a serious case of motion sickness. On the return trip a cliped the light to the handlebar and this proved to be much easier on the stomache. Now a 2% grade doesn't sound like much but it sure adds up. Most of this section of trail was hardpacked and provided for easy peddling. From South Cle Elum to Thorpe is a whole different story. This section of trail is full of loose rock and will wear you out quick. The Yakima river and getting away from the interstate provides for some quite sceanery but it is certainly a workout. Its interesting that this use to be an electric rail line. You can still see some of the old substations and overhead power poles along the route.
Great Family Rides
By John Roberts on August 26, 2006
"My family and I ride the Iron Horse several times each summer. Typically we will leave a car at Cedar Falls (near North Bend) or Easton and start from the summit at Hyak. This makes for a gradual downhill ride and is easier for the kids. A twenty mile trail ride is possible by 9+ year olds, which is quite an achievement and a lot of fun for all. Just remember to bring a tire repair kit!"
Great memories!
By Cathy Wilkerson on April 26, 2006
" In the summer of 2003, my late husband and I enjoyed mountain biking from the trailhead near North Bend for about 7 miles on this trail, then head back. This was one of his happiest times, enjoying the view and riding across the trestles. He died in Oct of 2003, so this trail holds special memories. My family and I really enjoyed this trail.

Cathy"
Trail Photo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: North Bend to Vantage
Counties: King, Kittitas
Trail Length: 82 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Gravel, Ballast
Trail Activities: Walk, Horseback, Cross Country Ski, Mountain Bicycle, Fishing

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Washington and Oregon rail-trails in RTC's Washington and Oregon Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: February 2002