Q.  Do we need reservations for bike rentals and the shuttle bus?
A.  It’s generally a good idea to reserve equipment, especially on busy weekends and during the peak season. The shuttle services is ‘first come/first serve’. Fill out our online reservation form or call 208-744-1301 x 11.

Q.  Do you offer group discounts?
A.  Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For reservations, fill out our online reservation form or call 208-744-1301 x 16.

Q.  Where can we buy tickets to ride the trail?
A.  Tickets can be purchased at Lookout Pass Ski Area lodge, from the Trail Marshals while riding the trail, and at various other locations including Scheffy's General Store in Avery, Pedal Pushers in Harrison and the Wallace Inn in Wallace.

Q.  If we bring our own bikes, can we take them on the shuttle?
A.  Yes, of course. The shuttles are equipped to transport you and your bike including recumbent bikes, two person bikes, canvas type child trailers, adult tricycles, wheel chairs, and a variety of electric assisted bikes and one seat move abouts.  

Q.  Is it best to park at the bottom of the trail or at the top? Where can we park should we wish to avoid the 1.66 mile long St. Paul Pass Tunnel?
A.  That depends on how long of a ride you would like to take.  Most folks access the trail off I-90 at Taft, Exit 5, in Montana (5 miles east of Lookout Pass). Just follow the Hiawatha Trail signs for 2 miles to reach the top trailhead at the East Portal. The more scenic portion of the trail, where most of the tunnels and trestles are located, is near the top.  Therefore many visitors start there, ride down the trail, and then take the shuttle back to where they parked their cars.  More active riders start at the bottom and ride the very slight upgrade while they are fresh.  Then they can ride the downhill portion on the way back for a total ride of about 30 miles.  For those wishing to by-pass the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, simply drive past the East Portal parking area and follow the Road 506 signs for 5 miles to the Roland trailhead. The distance from Roland to the bottom trailhead at Pearson is approximately 12.5 miles.

Q.  How long is the trail?
A.  The ride from East Portal (top) to Pearson (bottom) is 15 miles and is a very gentle downhill ride all the way.  For most riders, this represents a leisurely 2 ½ hour ride. 

Q.  Can we take our time biking down, or is there a time limit?
A.  There is no time limit, and you can take as long as is comfortable to enjoy the trail.  You can ride the trail every day from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Pacific Time).  For those wishing to take the shuttle back from Pearson to Roland, the last shuttle leaves Pearson at 4:15 PM, and during the Peak Season at 5:45 PM on weekends only. 

Q.  What is the trail surface? Is this trip dangerous in any way?  Is there anything we have to watch out for while riding down?
A.  The trail is a high quality, firm fine gravel/dirt surface, with some small cobble in places, so that some ability to ride a bicycle is desirable.  Mountain bike tires are recommended.  Hybrid tires are OK. Road bike tires are seen on the trail but not recommended.   The tunnels are not lighted, if this is bothersome, it is recommended that riders walk their bicycles through the tunnels.  All of the trestles have guard rails.  On the whole the trail is wide enough so that some of the steeper slopes at the side of the trail should not be a problem. 

Q.  Can you tell me if the trail is OK for a ten year old - i.e. are there railings on the trestles?
A.  In general the trail is OK to ride downhill from Roland to Pearson for most youngsters 6 years of age and older that know how to ride a bicycle by themselves.  All trestles have railings as pictured here. 

Q.  Are the bike rentals near the trailhead or will we need to transport the bikes in our vehicle?
A.  The nearest bike rentals are at Lookout Pass which is at Exit 0, on the Idaho/Montana state line at Interstate 90.  This is about 7 miles from the East Portal of the St. Paul Pass (‘Taft’) Tunnel.  Mountain bikes, comfort bikes, tag-a-longs, Burley (child) trailers, children's bikes, helmets and lights are available at the Lookout Pass Rental Shop. 

Q.  If we need to transport the bikes, how far away is the trailhead and do you have racks available that can carry several bikes?
A.  The East Portal of the St. Paul Pass (‘Taft’) Tunnel is about a 7 mile ride by automobile.  The West Portal at Roland is an additional 5 miles going up and over Roland Summit.  When you rent bicycles at the Lookout Pass rental shop,  bicycle racks are provided at no extra charge. 

Q.  Does the helmet rental come with a light attached, or is it just a flashlight that we have to carry?
A.  The bike lights provided at the Lookout Pass rental shop clip to the handlebar of a bicycle. 

Q.  If we do not bring bicycles, would you recommend we rent a helmet and light, or should we bring our own?
A.  When you rent a bicycle at the Lookout Pass rental shop, helmets and lights are provided as a part of the rental fee.  Alternatively, you can rent helmets and/or lights separately. 

Q.  Can one buy refreshments or food along the trail?
A.  There is currently no food concession along the trail.  Beverages, snacks, great sandwiches, and bag lunches are available at the Lookout Pass restaurant.  Also, cold beverages (soft drinks and water) plus water bottles.

Q.  Who owns The Hiawatha Bike Trail?
A.  The Hiawatha Bike Trail is owned by all of us.  It is on U. S. National Forest land administered by the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.  It is operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area under a special use permit of the U. S. Forest Service.