Iron Horse Trail, Washington, United States

5Compass31749 5:00 PM Jun 20, 2003

Enjoying the Iron Horse Trail
I am fortunate enough to be able to ride up the Iron Horse Trail from my back yard and do so on a weekly basis during the spring and summer months. The scenery is beautiful, the ride is much improved since the removal of the original tressels, (which were at times fairly scary depending on the height of the tressel). We recently decided to take a different approach and experience the trail in a different manner, we drove up to the East Snoqualmie summit exit and picked up the trail there, walked through the two mile tunnel. As we approached the tunnel I could feel the cold air coming from within, I was wishing I had brought an extra layer of cloths. With flashlights in hand we entered the darkness. As we got into the tunnel and our eyes adjusted to the darkness we could see the light at the end of the other end of the tunnel. As promised the tunnel did not disapoint, it was dark to the point of dis-orienting at times, cold and damp with drips, to down right down poors from above. Once through the tunnel we made our way to Rattlesnake lake and from there back home. There are a few porta pottys along the way, with plenty of side ares for a picnic, watch the novice rock climbers learn skills or to just rest, re-hydrate and enjoy the many different views. One extra benifit is that the other cyclists are courtious and are willing to help those who may need a hand with flat tires or other minor maitenance repairs that can and do happen on occasion. Still lots to explore on this trail even though we have lived and rode on this trail for 11 years. "Bottom" comfort level at the end of the ride.......sore, but worth it. Have a good ride!

4Storyteller17357 5:00 PM May 17, 2003

It's all down hill baby!
Take two trucks/ bike carriers. Park one at Rattlesnake Lake or which ever trail head you want to end at. Drive the bikes up to Snoqualmie pass, Hyak parking lot. Unload bikes, start toward tunnel. If you have no flash light/headlight. Load bikes back up and leave. You won't make it thru the tunnel without a light. Over 2 miles of pitch black. If you failed to bring a rain coate (bare minimum) prepare to freeze your tail off. Lots of dripping from above! The novelty wears off before the light at the end of the tunnel. But its memorable. Then things get fun. Great scenary, high rail road trussel crossings, optional side trails, and all down hill! Its a very gradual grade that requires very little effort. Kids from 8 years up with some riding skill. Great ride!