Find the top rated hike trails in Plains, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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What an amazing day we had on the Hiawatha last month. We were there the last week of their season and chose a good weather day for the ride. My husband and I are in our mid-fifties, of average physical shape, and rode mountain bikes I’d just inherited. After reading another review regarding the trail, We elected to ride approximately 13 miles down the trail and then back up, which saved us the transport fee. It was a great workout, but doable. With many stops for pictures, water, and snacks.. it took us 4 hours.
My husband and I rode from Batavia to the southwest terminus. The trail runs parallel to Highway 2 so there is quite a bit of road noise. Between Batavia and Kila, the asphalt has so many cracks and hazards, it is hard to enjoy the ride. South of Kila must be a newer section because the final two miles of the trail are much better. Beware of the sawed off metal posts in the asphalt because they can be difficult to see and if you hit one, you could take a hard fall. If they smooth out the asphalt, the trail would be so much better.
When I first heard about this trail MANY (27) years ago, I said, "This must go on my bucket list!" This late July I crossed it off, finally. All I can say is that this trail is all that it is cracked up to be and MORE!! I was definitely living the dream!
The only bummer was having to rent bikes because we flew out! They were not the best because, of course, one gets comfort from their own ride. My husband's bike kept breaking. We had to fix it once on the trail side, with the help of volunteer Trail Patrol (Yep, they got 'em) and again at the bottom before our ride back up. We had decided to make the dream last.
I recommend checking out their web site, as there is very much needed info and you will know about special events that may hinder your experience.
We saw quite a few families with littles as young as 5 years old. The slow decent makes it ideal for them and there is a shuttle bus service to take you back up.
I just might ride again but I'll bring my own bike next time.
I rode this in the reverse direction from Taft to Mullan as part of a bikepacking trip in July 2025. The NorPac was one of the highlights of the trip, with smoother gravel than the Old Milwaukee Trail or the Route of the Olympian. From Taft (the freeway exit for the Hiawatha Route), the trail is fairly easy to find. Just go back on the frontage road past some large industrial buildings, and the trail will start up the mountain underneath I90.
The Borax Tunnel is indeed closed, however, it would be very difficult to even access it. The bypass road is very clearly the only route to take, and while steeper than the rest of the trail, it is not long or too steep (6-7% gradient). The original trail to the tunnel is blocked by a huge piles of old trees at the bottom and a large berm at the top.
Lookout Pass has a few snacks, similar to the East Portal trailhead of the Hiawatha. Staying on the gravel road on the otherside of the parking lot, it eventually narrows and once again you're descending on smooth dirt down the Idaho side. It would be difficult to get lost. There is a major junction with a hard right turn and another instance where the trail bypasses the Shoshone Park road.
If you're coming from the Idaho side to start, the easiest way to describe how to access the trail is to navigate to the Fish Hatchery, and then make a 90 degree turn to the left and enter the trail through the trees.
I rode this route in both directions on a bikepacking trip in July 2025. The first leg, we started at the East Portal Parking lot and rode all the way down to Saint Regis. The gravel is smooth and fast going downhill until about Saltese. Around Haugan, the mountains open up, the gradient drops close to 0%, and you're a bit more exposed to the sun. The worst conditions were the last six miles into Saint Regis. Noise from I90 was never an issue, and we passed less than three motorized vehicles the entire time. I'd highly recommend the section from East Portal until the Old Dominion trestle. Would be a nice addition to the Hiawatha for those seeking a bit more distance.
I rode this trail in the opposite direction as part of a multi-day bikepacking trip in July 2025. In general, the whole thing is pretty flat/slightly uphill, with the section between Marble Creek and Avery on Siberts Old River Road adding a little bit of up and down hills. The road is rocky and tough on the arms. I had 700x40 inch tires on a carbon gravel bike and definitely felt it that night. We averaged around 11 MPH, imagine you could do better going the downhill route. Spectacular views, particularly between Pearson and Avery, where you go through about seven tunnels and have towering pine-covered mountains and a deep river canyon below.
We were on our way to vacation in northern Idaho and decided to stop along the way to explore this attraction. We are very glad we did; the views were amazing and the tunnels were quite interesting. The first tunnel is the longest and gets quite cool inside, but after that, the tunnels are shorter. The easy downhill grade makes the experience very enjoyable. Overall, it was a first-rate experience.
Me and my family grew up camping on Lake Chatcolet and biking this trail. We love making a stop in Harrison for the delicious ice cream at Harrison Creamery & Fudge Factory
I set out at Somers and the first mile or two were fantastic. It seemed however that most of the trail after that follows hwy 93 which is a very busy 4 lane highway and the trail is only maybe 30 feet from the road. Very noisy and you do have to cross over several driveways. If not for it being such a beautiful Montana day I would probably rated this trail 3 stars.
From the jump this trail is unforgettable.
You start out by pedaling the 1.6 mile pitch-black Taft Tunnel, only seeing what’s illuminated by the lights you bring.
The temperature drops. You hear nothing but the sound of your spinning wheels and the echoes of dripping water and distant voices. Close to an out-of-body experience, no toad licking needed.
You emerge into blinding sunlight and stunning beauty including a waterfall.
You will cross sphincter-clenching train trestles and will encounter wildlife and more tunnels, though none as extreme as the Taft tunnel (which you will pass through again at the end of the ride).
The return shuttle trip will test those sphincters one last time, or you could choose to ride the gentle grade back up.
Ok section, kind of dull. Agriculture & cows. Found a bit of shade by a grain elevator for lunch. Several washouts filled with tumbleweeds as you get closer to Lind.
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