8 Tips to Make the Most of Your Idaho-Montana Hiawatha Bike Trail Adventure

The Idaho Side of the Hiawatha Trail

Isn't it amazing how a beautiful bike ride in the Idaho countryside can clear your mind and stoke your sense of adventure?

Now try to imagine riding your bike among the treetops of gorgeous Red Firs, Englemann Spruces, White Firs, Lodgepole Pines, and Yellow Pine 200 hundred feet above the ground. That's just a tiny taste of the Hiawatha experience! Opened in 1998, Idaho is the proud home of the route's first 13 miles!

Formerly known as the Milwaukee Railroad, the trail has a high-quality, fine-to-medium gravel surface sprinkled with cobble to create a smoother hiking and biking experience.

A continuation of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, the Hiawatha Bike route is a bucket list-worthy Idaho adventure! According to Ride the Hiawatha, the route was named a "Hall of Fame" trail by the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy. It's one of only 15 trails to earn the distinguished recognition.

A Family-Friendly Adventure

Found between Roland and Pearson, the Idaho side of the Hiawatha trail opened in 1998. The family-friendly bike route is seated on U.S. National Forest land and maintained by the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Ride the Hiawatha recently shared an exciting update about the trail!

Now that the St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel has been opened, another 31 miles of trail are being planned stretching all the way to St. Regis, Montana. This portion of the trail will include one more tunnel and 2 trestles, and will be for use by bikers, hikers, all terrain vehicles, horses, as well as automobiles.

Our team is thrilled to help you make the most of your Hiawatha biking or hiking experience! Check out our favorite know-before-you-go-tips below!

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