Looking for a hike that combines natural beauty with fascinating history? The Iron Goat Trail near Stevens Pass offers a perfect blend of both. This historic path follows the old Great Northern Railway route, taking you through lush forests while revealing remnants of one of the most ambitious railroad projects in Washington’s history.
The Iron Goat Trail features multiple hiking options ranging from an easy 3-mile loop to a more challenging 6-mile or even 12-mile journey, making it ideal for hikers of all skill levels. You’ll find the trailhead about 10 miles west of Stevens Pass Ski Resort, easily accessible from Highway 2. The trail is mostly flat with a gentle grade (about 100 feet per mile), making the elevation gain barely noticeable as you walk.
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As you hike, you’ll discover old tunnels that stay wonderfully cool on hot summer days, concrete snowsheds, and interpretive signs that tell the story of the railway. The packed dirt and gravel trail is wide and well-maintained, perfect for a family outing or a solo adventure through the Central Cascades. Don’t miss the chance to explore both the upper and lower sections for the complete Iron Goat experience!
Trail History and Background
The Iron Goat Trail follows the historic path of the Great Northern Railway, which was built in the early 1890s. This historic trail gets its name from the railway’s logo – a mountain goat standing on a rock.
The trail preserves a significant piece of American railroad history. You’ll find yourself walking the same route where massive steam locomotives once thundered through the Cascade Mountains.
One of the trail’s most sobering stories is the Wellington Avalanche Disaster of March 1910. Heavy snow trapped two trains for several days before an avalanche swept them down the mountainside, killing 96 people. It remains one of the deadliest avalanches in U.S. history.
After this tragedy, the railway built protective concrete snow sheds and eventually abandoned this route in 1929 for a longer, safer tunnel at a lower elevation.
Today, you can explore the fascinating ruins of this once-vital transportation link. The trail features old tunnels, abandoned snow sheds, and various railway artifacts left behind when the line was abandoned.
The Iron Goat Trail opened to hikers on October 2, 1993, after volunteers and the U.S. Forest Service worked together to transform the old railway grade into a public trail.
As you hike, you’ll notice interpretive signs that help you understand what you’re seeing and the important stories behind these historic structures.
Preparation for the Hike
Before setting out on the Iron Goat Trail, proper preparation will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. The trail offers historical sights along a relatively accessible path, but planning ahead is essential.
What to Bring
Pack plenty of water and snacks for your journey along the Iron Goat Trail. Even though the trail is mostly flat, you’ll be hiking for several hours and need to stay hydrated.
A good pair of hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes is recommended as parts of the trail can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
Don’t forget your Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead. If you don’t have an annual pass, you can purchase a day pass at the trailhead.
Bring a camera to capture the historic tunnels, snow sheds, and beautiful mountain views along the way.
Essential Items:
- Water (at least 1 liter per person)
- Snacks or lunch
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Northwest Forest Pass
- Camera
- First aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp (for exploring tunnels)
- Trail map
Trail Conditions and Safety
The Iron Goat Trail is generally considered an easy to intermediate hike with minimal elevation gain. The main trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of most ability levels.
Be aware that some sections pass through old tunnels and abandoned railroad structures. Stay on the marked path and never enter closed or barricaded areas.
Weather can change quickly in the Cascades. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared for rain even on sunny days.
In winter months, portions of the trail may be snow-covered or icy. Traction devices for your boots might be necessary from November through April.
Watch for wildlife along the trail. While large animals are rarely seen, small mammals and birds are common throughout the area.
Safety Tips:
- Never enter unstable structures
- Stay on marked trails
- Check weather conditions before departing
- Let someone know your hiking plans
Getting to the Trailhead
The Iron Goat Trail can be accessed from several trailheads along Highway 2 near Stevens Pass. The Martin Creek Trailhead is the most popular starting point for most hikers.
To reach Martin Creek Trailhead, drive east on Highway 2 from Everett or west from Stevens Pass. Look for the signed turnoff about 10 miles west of Stevens Pass Ski Resort.
The Wellington Trailhead (also known as the Interpretive Site) offers another access point with informational displays about the historic railway. This is an excellent starting point if you’re interested in the area’s history.
Parking is available at both trailheads but can fill up on summer weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on holidays and sunny days.
Driving Directions:
- From Seattle: Take Highway 2 east toward Stevens Pass
- From Eastern Washington: Take Highway 2 west past Stevens Pass
- Both trailheads are well-marked with signs along Highway 2
Exploring the Iron Goat Trail
The Iron Goat Trail offers hikers a unique blend of natural beauty and railroad history along its 8-mile path. This historic railway-turned-hiking-trail features fascinating tunnels, snow sheds, and breathtaking views of the Cascades.
Trail Sections
The Iron Goat Trail can be accessed from three different trailheads – Scenic, Martin Creek, and Wellington. Each offers a different starting point for your adventure. The Scenic trailhead is often recommended for first-time visitors.
For a complete experience, you can enjoy the 6-mile loop that starts at the interpretive site. This loop follows wide, flat terrain made of packed dirt and gravel. It’s well-maintained and takes you through some of the most interesting historical sections.
If you’re looking for a shorter hike, try the 2.4-mile out-and-back trail to the Twin Tunnels from the trailhead. This popular route typically takes under an hour to complete.
Key Attractions Along the Trail
The trail is packed with historical features that tell the story of this once-bustling railway. You’ll encounter several tunnels and snow sheds built in the early 1900s that protected trains from winter avalanches.
Don’t miss the adit (a horizontal passage into a mine) and the old wooden spillway, relics from the railway’s operational days. As you hike, you’ll cross charming wooden foot bridges spanning clear mountain creeks.
The trail offers several scenic viewpoints where you can take in the majestic Cascade Mountains. Keep your eyes open for seasonal waterfalls, especially after spring melt or rainfall, which add to the trail’s natural beauty.
Trail Difficulty and Accessibility
The Iron Goat Trail is generally considered an easy route, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The main trail has minimal elevation gain and follows the gentle grade that trains once traveled.
Parts of the trail are ADA accessible, particularly the interpretive sections near the Scenic trailhead. These areas feature smooth, wide pathways that accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
The trail is open year-round, though winter conditions can make some sections challenging. Summer and fall offer the most reliable hiking conditions. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash to protect wildlife and other visitors.
You’ll likely encounter other hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, especially on weekends, as this is a very popular recreational area.
Natural Features and Scenery
The Iron Goat Trail offers hikers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance as you walk through the western Cascades. The trail showcases stunning mountain views, diverse plant life, and interesting geological features shaped by both nature and human engineering.
Flora and Fauna
As you hike the Iron Goat Trail, you’ll encounter a rich variety of plant life that changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, colorful wildflowers dot the landscape, including trillium, columbine, and various forest blooms. The trail is surrounded by typical western Cascade forest vegetation with towering evergreens, ferns, and moss-covered surfaces.
Wildlife is abundant but often shy. Keep your eyes open for:
- Deer and elk
- Small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels
- Various bird species including woodpeckers and jays
- Black bears (though rare sightings)
The best wildlife viewing times are early morning or evening when animals are most active. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and never feed wild animals.
Geological Formations
The Iron Goat Trail features fascinating geological elements both natural and man-made. At Windy Point, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Cascade mountains and valleys carved by ancient glaciers.
One of the most interesting features are the tunnel-like snowsheds built to protect the original railway from winter avalanches. These structures now create cave-like passages that provide cool shade in summer and shelter during rainy weather.
The trail itself follows the contours of the mountainside, showcasing steep rock faces and slopes. You’ll notice how the railway builders had to work with and against these natural formations, creating an interesting blend of natural and industrial landscape. The trail’s elevation varies depending on which section you explore, with different geological features visible along both the upper and lower grades.
Cultural and Historical Sites
The Iron Goat Trail offers a fascinating journey through the Great Northern Railway’s past. Along this historic pathway, you’ll encounter abandoned towns, engineering marvels, and relics that tell the story of early 20th century railroad development.
Wellington Townsite
Wellington holds a somber place in railroad history as the site of one of America’s deadliest avalanches. In March 1910, a massive snowslide swept two trains down the mountainside, killing 96 people. Today, you can walk where the town once stood and see informational placards detailing the tragedy.
The townsite marks the western endpoint of the Iron Goat Trail. As you explore, you’ll notice concrete foundations and scattered remnants of what was once a bustling railroad community. The Old Cascade Highway runs nearby, providing another connection to this area’s transportation history.
Ghost stories abound here, with many hikers reporting strange feelings or unexplained phenomena—perhaps echoes of the tragic events that unfolded over a century ago.
Railroad Artifacts and Structures
Throughout your hike, you’ll encounter numerous engineering feats designed to protect trains from the harsh Cascade winters. Impressive retaining walls built by immigrant laborers still stand firm after more than 100 years.
Look for:
- Rusting metal components from trains and tracks
- Mile markers that once guided engineers
- Concrete footings for structures long gone
- Remnants of snow sheds designed to protect trains
The trail itself follows the original railroad grade, allowing you to literally walk in the footsteps of early railroad workers. You’ll gain appreciation for the immense effort required to construct this railway through such challenging mountain terrain.
Many artifacts remain in place as a living museum of railroad history—please remember to look but not touch or remove any items.
Twin Tunnels and Spillway
The Twin Tunnels represent some of the most impressive engineering on the route. These abandoned passages were carved through solid rock to allow trains safe passage through the mountains. Today, you can safely explore these tunnels and marvel at their construction.
Near mile marker 1714, you’ll discover an old wooden spillway—a channel designed to divert water away from the tracks. This structure showcases the ingenuity required to maintain railroad operations in this wet, mountainous environment.
As you hike between tunnels, watch for seasonal waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. During spring snowmelt, these can be particularly dramatic as they rush toward the valley below.
The trail maps mark these historic mile-markers, making it easy to track your location and find these significant features.
Interpretive Centers
The Iron Goat Interpretive Center provides an excellent starting point for your historical journey. Located near the Martin Creek Trailhead, this facility offers detailed exhibits about railroad construction, the Wellington disaster, and the people who lived and worked along the route.
Volunteers for Outdoor Washington maintains both the trail and interpretive materials. Their dedication has transformed what could have been lost history into an accessible outdoor museum.
Along the Interpretive Trail section, you’ll find informational panels explaining various features and their historical significance. These panels include old photographs comparing past and present views of the same locations.
The center also provides trail maps highlighting key historical points of interest, recommended routes, and safety information for exploring tunnels and structures.
Hiking Tips and Best Practices
Preparing for your Iron Goat Trail adventure ensures a safe and enjoyable experience while preserving this historic path. The trail offers diverse terrain with both accessible and challenging sections.
Trail Etiquette
When hiking the Iron Goat Trail, always yield to uphill hikers who have the right of way. They’re working harder and have a narrower field of vision.
Stay on designated paths to protect the historic railway features and prevent erosion. The Volunteers for Outdoor Washington have worked tirelessly to maintain these trails.
Keep noise levels low to respect wildlife and other hikers seeking peace in nature. Many come to appreciate the trail’s history and natural beauty.
For those using the wheelchair-accessible portions of the lower grade trail, be mindful that some sections may narrow. Plan accordingly if you require wider paths.
Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed to protect wildlife and other visitors. Always pick up after your pet.
Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you bring in—wrappers, apple cores, tissues, and all other items. The historic tunnels and interpretive sites should remain pristine for future visitors.
Bring a small bag specifically for collecting your trash. Consider picking up any litter you find along the way.
Stick to established trails, especially near historic structures and tunnels. Wandering off-trail damages fragile ecosystems and historic features.
Avoid picking wildflowers or disturbing historical artifacts. Take photos instead of souvenirs to preserve the trail’s natural and historical elements.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Proper preparation means you won’t need to leave emergency supplies behind.
Trail Review Insights
According to multiple trail reviews, the lower section offers a beautifully maintained, relatively flat 3-mile loop suitable for families and beginners. This portion receives consistently high ratings for accessibility.
The upper trail sections provide more challenging terrain with better views but require more hiking experience. Reviews often mention the rewarding historical features along both sections.
Hikers frequently recommend starting at the Martin Creek trailhead for the 7-mile loop option, which provides the most comprehensive experience of the trail’s historical features.
Summer weekends can be busy, so consider a weekday visit for a more peaceful experience. Early morning starts are also recommended in recent reviews.
Most hikers rate the interpretive signs as excellent, providing fascinating insights into the railway’s history and the Wellington avalanche disaster.
Post-Hike Activities and Nearby Attractions
After enjoying the historic Iron Goat Trail, the surrounding area offers plenty of ways to round out your adventure. The charming town of Skykomish and several other nearby attractions provide perfect opportunities to relax, refuel, and even extend your outdoor explorations.
Dining and Lodging
The small town of Skykomish offers several options to satisfy your post-hike hunger. The Cascadia Inn serves hearty meals perfect for hungry hikers, while the Skykomish Diner offers classic American comfort food in a relaxed setting.
For overnight stays, you’ll find a mix of accommodations. See our list of nearby hotels, vacation rentals, and BnBs.
If you prefer camping, nearby Money Creek Campground provides sites with easy access to the river. During winter months, many hikers enjoy staying in nearby Stevens Pass for ski access.
Other Nearby Trails
The area surrounding the Iron Goat Trail features numerous hiking opportunities that showcase the beauty of the Cascades. Just a short drive away, you can explore:
- West Fork Foss River Trail: Featuring alpine lakes and mountain views
- Deception Falls Nature Trail: A short, accessible trail with stunning waterfall views
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness hikes: Multiple options for day hikes or backpacking adventures
The Martin Creek section offers another perspective on the Great Northern Railroad history. For a truly scenic experience, visit the Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls trails, which provide breathtaking mountain and waterfall views just a short drive from the Iron Goat area.
Conclusion
The Iron Goat Trail offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty that makes it truly special among Washington’s hiking options. Its gentle grade and multiple access points allow you to customize your adventure based on your time and ability.
Whether you choose the easy 2.2-mile out-and-back option or challenge yourself with the full 7-mile loop, you’ll be rewarded with fascinating railroad artifacts and stunning mountain views.
This trail shines in all seasons, making it an excellent year-round destination near Stevens Pass. The tunnel sections provide welcome shade during summer hikes and shelter during rainy days.
Don’t forget your camera! The historic tunnels, snow sheds, and interpretive signs create unique photo opportunities you won’t find elsewhere in the Cascades.
For the most memorable experience, pick up a trail guide before you go. The extra context about the railroad’s history and the 1910 avalanche will deepen your appreciation of what you’re seeing.
Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots along the way. The relaxed pace of this hike gives you plenty of time to soak in both the history and the mountain views.
Your journey on the Iron Goat Trail isn’t just a hike – it’s a step back in time that the whole family can enjoy together.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation near Iron Goat Trail! Look for deals here:
Iron Goat Trail Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Iron Goat Trail Hiking Guide: Exploring Washington’s Scenic Railway Path
Iron Goat Trail History: Exploring the Legacy of the Great Northern Railway
Things to Do Near Skykomish, Washington
