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Iron Horse State Park: A Rail-to-Trail Adventure

Explore Washington's history and nature on the Iron Horse Trail, a 100+ mile path for hiking, biking, and equestrian adventures.

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Iron Horse State Park, a 1,612-acre park near North Bend, Washington, follows the historic path of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad [2, 5, 8]. Now a non-motorized trail, it offers over 100 miles for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities, with stunning views and remnants of railway history [2, 4, 9].

A brief summary to Iron Horse State Park

Local tips

  • A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park. Purchase one online or at various vendors.
  • Bring a jacket and headlamp when exploring the Snoqualmie Tunnel, as it's dark and cool inside, even in summer [10, 15].
  • Check the Snoqualmie Tunnel's seasonal closure (November 1st to May 1st) before planning your visit [10].
  • Pack plenty of water, especially for longer hikes or bike rides, as water sources may be limited [15].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Seattle, take I-90 east to Exit 32 (Cedar Falls Road SE). Turn south onto 436th Avenue SE, which becomes Cedar Falls Road SE. Follow Cedar Falls Road SE for approximately 3 miles. Turn left into the Iron Horse State Park parking area [4, 11, 15]. A Discover Pass is required for parking [2, 3]. Day-use parking is $10, or an annual pass can be purchased for $30 [3, 14].

  • Public Transport

    From Seattle, take the Sounder Train from King Street Station towards Everett. Get off at the North Bend Station. Transfer to the King County Metro Bus Route 208. Get off at the North Bend Park & Ride. Walk east on North Bend Way for about 0.5 miles, then turn left onto Lake Easton State Park Rd. Walk about 1 mile to reach Iron Horse State Park [7]. A single bus fare is $2.75.

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Discover more about Iron Horse State Park

Iron Horse State Park, a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, spans 1,612 acres across the Cascade Mountains and Yakima River Valley [5, 8]. This park, located near North Bend, Washington, is built upon the former right-of-way of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, offering visitors a chance to explore the past while enjoying the present [2, 5, 9]. The park's main feature is the Iron Horse Trail, also known as the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, a 100-plus mile path stretching from Cedar Falls to the Columbia River [2, 4, 12]. This rail-trail invites hikers, cyclists, and equestrians to traverse diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to open landscapes [2, 9]. High trestles provide spectacular valley views, while historic railway tunnels and bridges dot the landscape [2, 9]. One of the trail's highlights is the Snoqualmie Tunnel, a 2.3-mile tunnel that burrows through the Cascade Mountains [3, 9, 10]. Remember to bring a jacket and lights, as the tunnel remains cool and dark year-round [10, 15]. Along the trail, visitors can discover remnants of the Milwaukee Road, including historic train stations and substations [5, 8]. The park also connects to other trails, such as the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, offering even more opportunities for exploration [5, 6]. Iron Horse State Park is a year-round destination, offering recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and picnicking [2, 7]. In winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular [2, 6]. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access [2, 3].

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