The ride back is just a long slow steady climb. There is no grade over 3% as this is a railroad bed. I'm 70, female, and it was a fine ride. The really cool part about the return is that the wildlife knows there are few return riders and they come out on the trail. 30 miles round trip and beautiful. The first half is pretty much all down hill, an easy coast, and there are historical placards and wonderful views. My only caution to round trippers is to consider taking two strong sources of light, like a headlight and a headlamp or flashlight. That long tunnel twice will use them both...and maybe a set of gloves and a warm jacket for that tunnel. Keep pedaling!
This is amazing trail.its worth the $.its all downhill for 9 miles,worth the $ to take bus back up.caution:bring flashlites,u go thru many tunnels.folks,this is a once in a lifetime experience,DO IT...
I've toured a restored Olympian Hiawatha passenger train that used to travel along the trail route and OMG that would've been soooo awesome to travel through that area while sitting in the super dome observation car!
1817 German Inventor Karl von Drais is credited with developing the first bicycle. His machine, known as the "swiftwalker," hit the road in 1817. This early bicycle had no pedals, and its frame was a wooden beam.
Super cool. Thanks for sharing. My kids are now excited about the possibility of riding the trail someday. They're pestering me to take them out to practice riding bikes now! Ha ha. Beautiful location.
@@JonConti Thanks. U got a sub out of it too. :) kids insisted. We'll have to look at the other ID videos. CA residents here who see ID as one of the best options to match our values and lifestyle. Will be neat to see the other videos you have to offer.
whoopty doo the trail needs maintained. It costs money. The bus that takes you back to the top costs money. Making sure those trestles are sound and don’t collapse and bats don’t take over the tunnels, all that costs money.
Played this Trail/Railway on a trainsim, just exactly as how its today, except the simulator takes a map from the 1970s, such a shame not even a bit of track remained to show the glorious past of the Milwaukee Road Railway, at least it became a nice tourist atraction! :)
Agreed. It kills me that they wrecked the track, locked up all that country, and turned it into a yuppie tourist trap. We used to have so much fun up there. Now it's all city people littering.
Clive Bunker An hour and 5 is very specific haha. If we say 2 hours and it takes people 1.5 they’re happy they got there early. If we say an hour and it takes 1.5 they say this is farther than those guys say and they aren’t happy so we ere on the safe side for people.
It seriously used to take me 45 minutes from that location to CDA, now it takes me at least an hour and a half, with all of the traffic now. Thanks for the great videos, cheers !.
Hi Jon. Where is the end of the trail. As in, can I leave our own shuttle vehicle from our group down at a city or parking lot where all the busses are. If so, where is that. Thx!!
The busses are down at the bottom of the trail in a dirt parking lot. You can arrange your own shuttle. I would call Lookout Pass 208.744.1301 they'll have more information for you
Obviously a mountain bike is the preferred bike to use on this trail. But, I'm wondering if my bike will do OK. It's a Trek 750 Hybrid. Has a double butted, CroMoly frame with 700-38 tires with a knobby, mountain bike tread. I appreciate any opinions. Thanks!
Hey Dan, I really don't know anything about bikes. The best people to talk to would be the people at Lookout Pass (208) 744-1301. I'd give them a call and ask. Cheers!
Martin Williamson you can walk the trail but you will still need to purchase a pass to get on it and/or use the shuttle service. Also the trail is only open between 8am and 5pm. As for what you can and can’t take you’ll have to be more specific, or contact lookout pass and ask them if you have something unusual you were looking to bring. Link to them is in the description. Good luck hiking it! We didn’t see anyone doing that. Walking the St. Paul tunnel would be nuts 😀
The Adventures of Jon & Chad ok im into H.E.M.A. and part of my training is marching in full gear on wildlife trails for miles the gear is one lance a kite shield two hachets and a short sword full chainmail and gambeson helm and a small tool kit water and other things are carried as well
@@Sir_knight_trooper O wow that sounds like a lot of gear. I don't see why that wouldn't be allowed on the trail, but I would call look out pass ahead of time and let them know so you don't run into any hold ups when you go.
Jon, you mentioned I can buy the trail pass at the east portal if I don't need any gear. Can I also buy the bus ticket ride back at the east portal shack?
JGvids well the trail is 15 miles long so if you only ran 8 miles then no, you wouldn’t be able to run it 😀. But they don’t allow foot traffic on the trail. It’s only for bikes
I know it's a wonderful bike trail, but it's too bad Amtrak didn't take over the like after the abandonment in 1980. That way Amtrak would've had its own dedicated line between Chicago and Seattle without having to fuss with BNSF all the time about trackage rights and timing.
At 2:58 we say it's been all downhill and if you want to turn around and go back up it will be grueling. Which I thought answered that question haha. If you go down it's easy and if you go up it's grueling.
Brian Rouse exactly 😂. We could’ve touched on how well the trail is maintained but... ya it’s all downhill or all uphill. Downhill is easy, uphill is hard. Have you done the Hiawatha before?
@@BrianRouse That's awesome! What did you think of the trail? And if you don't mind me asking how did you find this video, did you just search Hiawatha Trail?
I hate rail trail I wish it was trails to rails who cares about riding a bike we like trains and that is a really historic train line and I hope to God it gets rebuilt to a train track
It's on my list, but this is THE most confusing rails to trails description and map set I've ever come across for planning purposes. They can't even give a frame of reference for downhill and uphill or where I-90 is on the maps or parking or RV parks. Bring in a cartographer please and a writer.
The ride back is just a long slow steady climb. There is no grade over 3% as this is a railroad bed. I'm 70, female, and it was a fine ride. The really cool part about the return is that the wildlife knows there are few return riders and they come out on the trail. 30 miles round trip and beautiful. The first half is pretty much all down hill, an easy coast, and there are historical placards and wonderful views. My only caution to round trippers is to consider taking two strong sources of light, like a headlight and a headlamp or flashlight. That long tunnel twice will use them both...and maybe a set of gloves and a warm jacket for that tunnel. Keep pedaling!
This is amazing trail.its worth the $.its all downhill for 9 miles,worth the $ to take bus back up.caution:bring flashlites,u go thru many tunnels.folks,this is a once in a lifetime experience,DO IT...
I now have a reason to visit Idaho and Montana!
This is so awesome! Thank you for creating/sharing🌸
Beautiful footage! We can’t wait to check this trail out soon!
I used to live not too far from there . I went biking there with my step dad about 15 years ago , it was fun
Irkutyanin81488 you should go back!
super cool, I am planning to visit Hiawatha next weekend
Thanks so much for the tips!
I've toured a restored Olympian Hiawatha passenger train that used to travel along the trail route and OMG that would've been soooo awesome to travel through that area while sitting in the super dome observation car!
1817
German Inventor Karl von Drais is credited with developing the first bicycle. His machine, known as the "swiftwalker," hit the road in 1817. This early bicycle had no pedals, and its frame was a wooden beam.
This is awesome and full of helpful info
asmrprofessor that’s great to hear! Glad to hear you got some value out of it 🙂
Super cool. Thanks for sharing. My kids are now excited about the possibility of riding the trail someday. They're pestering me to take them out to practice riding bikes now! Ha ha. Beautiful location.
Thanks Ron! Thank you for watching, it is a great trip for kids and families.
@@JonConti Thanks. U got a sub out of it too. :) kids insisted. We'll have to look at the other ID videos. CA residents here who see ID as one of the best options to match our values and lifestyle. Will be neat to see the other videos you have to offer.
Another retirement riding destination! Awesome! I noticed everyone wearing a helmet. Is that required if you bring your own bike or just renting?
Looks beautiful!
I have been there very nice
They charge you to ride a trail in Idaho. That's crazy . I guess they said that about bottled water too. Oh well.
whoopty doo the trail needs maintained. It costs money. The bus that takes you back to the top costs money. Making sure those trestles are sound and don’t collapse and bats don’t take over the tunnels, all that costs money.
and unfortunately to make sure people dont destroy it
Played this Trail/Railway on a trainsim, just exactly as how its today, except the simulator takes a map from the 1970s, such a shame not even a bit of track remained to show the glorious past of the Milwaukee Road Railway, at least it became a nice tourist atraction! :)
Hard for bikes to ride on train tracks!
Agreed. It kills me that they wrecked the track, locked up all that country, and turned it into a yuppie tourist trap. We used to have so much fun up there. Now it's all city people littering.
Thanks for posting. Question… I have MS and I ride a quad e-bike. Is there a shuttle for something like that to get it back up to the top?
its rough, highly recommend a mountain bike with a bright light, that tunnel is no joke
I live in CDA and it takes me 1 hour 5 minutes to get there, not two hours
Clive Bunker An hour and 5 is very specific haha. If we say 2 hours and it takes people 1.5 they’re happy they got there early. If we say an hour and it takes 1.5 they say this is farther than those guys say and they aren’t happy so we ere on the safe side for people.
Clive Bunker they are clearly not from here ;)
It seriously used to take me 45 minutes from that location to CDA, now it takes me at least an hour and a half, with all of the traffic now. Thanks for the great videos, cheers !.
Is there a discount for through riders on multi day tours? They won't want that weekend deal with mandatory shuttle purchase.
Hi Jon. Where is the end of the trail. As in, can I leave our own shuttle vehicle from our group down at a city or parking lot where all the busses are. If so, where is that. Thx!!
The busses are down at the bottom of the trail in a dirt parking lot. You can arrange your own shuttle. I would call Lookout Pass 208.744.1301 they'll have more information for you
@@JonConti thx
Obviously a mountain bike is the preferred bike to use on this trail. But, I'm wondering if my bike will do OK. It's a Trek 750 Hybrid. Has a double butted, CroMoly frame with 700-38 tires with a knobby, mountain bike tread. I appreciate any opinions. Thanks!
Hey Dan, I really don't know anything about bikes. The best people to talk to would be the people at Lookout Pass (208) 744-1301. I'd give them a call and ask. Cheers!
If you have any questions for us about Northern Idaho or the Hiawatha Trail leave us a comment here!
The Adventures of Jon & Chad could i just walk on this trail? And what can i/can i not bring with me
Martin Williamson you can walk the trail but you will still need to purchase a pass to get on it and/or use the shuttle service. Also the trail is only open between 8am and 5pm. As for what you can and can’t take you’ll have to be more specific, or contact lookout pass and ask them if you have something unusual you were looking to bring. Link to them is in the description. Good luck hiking it! We didn’t see anyone doing that. Walking the St. Paul tunnel would be nuts 😀
The Adventures of Jon & Chad ok im into H.E.M.A. and part of my training is marching in full gear on wildlife trails for miles the gear is one lance a kite shield two hachets and a short sword full chainmail and gambeson helm and a small tool kit water and other things are carried as well
@@Sir_knight_trooper O wow that sounds like a lot of gear. I don't see why that wouldn't be allowed on the trail, but I would call look out pass ahead of time and let them know so you don't run into any hold ups when you go.
The Adventures of Jon & Chad ok thank you
Jon, you mentioned I can buy the trail pass at the east portal if I don't need any gear. Can I also buy the bus ticket ride back at the east portal shack?
Yep, shuttles free.
Gruel...Yum
Can you use a road bike on the trail? Or do you have to rent a mtn. Bike? I have a ten speed road bike, and worry about the gravel on thinner tires...
rip Milwaukee Road
Are e-bikes allowed
Where's the link to Epic Idaho? The video says it's in the description, but it's not (as of 9/17/2021).
Visit Idaho has it. ua-cam.com/video/0riK6AQvRDI/v-deo.html
Rosendo Stravenue
R.I.P Milwaukee Road
Can you boondock in the parking lot at the East Portal. I sleep in the camper shell on bed of the truck.
Yep! You can boondock there and at Lookout Pass in either of those parking lots.
@@JonConti thank you
How long would this take young kids who ride bikes? can all ages make the entire trip?
I'm not sure how long it would take but all ages do it. It's all downhill so it's an easy ride.
@@JonConti thanks jon
We'd like to bike from Lookout Pass to East Portal. Do you know how we do that?
I do not, but Lookout Pass would! I'd give them a call. 208.744.1301
Dach Groves
Ludwig Manors
Do you have to wear a helmet? required or optional?
If I am doing a long run, about 8 miles, at a consistent 9 mph could I run this trail?
JGvids well the trail is 15 miles long so if you only ran 8 miles then no, you wouldn’t be able to run it 😀. But they don’t allow foot traffic on the trail. It’s only for bikes
Can you ride Ebikes on this trail??
No not without special permission
Mitchell Mission
Are electric bikes allowed?
Mon tour
Praise the Creator
I know it's a wonderful bike trail, but it's too bad Amtrak didn't take over the like after the abandonment in 1980. That way Amtrak would've had its own dedicated line between Chicago and Seattle without having to fuss with BNSF all the time about trackage rights and timing.
I went
What did you think of it?
You didn't answer how difficult of a ride it is.
At 2:58 we say it's been all downhill and if you want to turn around and go back up it will be grueling. Which I thought answered that question haha. If you go down it's easy and if you go up it's grueling.
Downhill is extremely easy. Uphill could be a challenge.
Brian Rouse exactly 😂. We could’ve touched on how well the trail is maintained but... ya it’s all downhill or all uphill. Downhill is easy, uphill is hard. Have you done the Hiawatha before?
The Adventures of Jon & Chad Nope, yesterday was the first time! We’re from St. Louis and were visiting family.
@@BrianRouse That's awesome! What did you think of the trail? And if you don't mind me asking how did you find this video, did you just search Hiawatha Trail?
I hate rail trail I wish it was trails to rails who cares about riding a bike we like trains and that is a really historic train line and I hope to God it gets rebuilt to a train track
can we ride our electric bike? ALSo do they rent electric bikes? and lastly do we even need electric if its all down hill ;)
It's on my list, but this is THE most confusing rails to trails description and map set I've ever come across for planning purposes. They can't even give a frame of reference for downhill and uphill or where I-90 is on the maps or parking or RV parks. Bring in a cartographer please and a writer.
I did this with my class, it rained for hours and it was 18 miles long, don’t do the Hiawatha on a rainy day
yall arent funny, but your attempts are amuzing.
Can I ride my dirt bike there?
PNW Tactical prepper No, just your standard no motor peddle bike
Phuk No -
@@JonConti What about ebikes?
To bad they charge
You allow dogs?
salo garcia no unfortunately you can’t trust everyone to clean up after their pets so the Hiawatha doesn’t allow dogs.
GOOD!
I'm sorry but thats just a road with too many trees
I'll give you the road part but too many trees... Is there such a thing?
they charge you to use a rail trail, wtf?
Takes money to keep those railways from collapsing under you
@@JonConti how many untold TRILLIONS gone towards infrastructure with so few of it going to "shovel in the dirt"? So many rackets these days.