Idaho | TrailLink

The " Great American" Route Through Idaho

Idaho is primed to carry the Great American Rail-Trail across its state, with the vast majority of the preferred route already existing. When complete, the trail will create a seamless connection from Mullan to Plummer and the Idaho-Washington border.

The host trails that make up a majority of this route include two Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trails: the NorPac Trail and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes—the latter of which was part of a historic environmental mitigation and cleanup effort led by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Known for their exceptional views of the rugged and beautiful Idaho landscape, the trails have helped to spur outdoor tourism and recreation across the Idaho Panhandle.

Awesome Gradual Climb up the Mountain

July 2025 mileskfarnsworth

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.

Been biking this trail for years. It’s the best!

July 2025 mmtvwzm9wc

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