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The Iron Goat Trail is an 8-mile trail that runs along the old Great Northern Railway.


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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.5

KM

Point to Point

3,134' 955 m

High

2,149' 655 m

Low

1,125' 343 m

Up

165' 50 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

It is dangerous to enter the tunnels or climb on old structures.

Description

The beginning part of this loop contains almost three miles of ADA accessible trail, and it is both fascinating and beautiful. It is a wide trail with wooden bridges across small creeks making the journey easy on wheelchairs. Waterfalls spew over the old structures and there are several old tunnels with trails going up to the opening and collapsed timbers that once were protection from the snow. Many of the tunnels and snow bridges were built after the Wellington Avalanche Disaster to better protect the trains from snow.

There are more than tunnels and timber to tell the rail story (do not enter tunnels due to unsafe conditions). Signs along the way also tell of the people that built the railway. In a little over three miles, reach the paved turn off to the right and the start of the alternative trailhead by the red caboose.

Flora & Fauna

A variety of trees and brush along the path.

Contacts

Shared By:

Justin S.

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 7 votes

#10002

Overall
  4.1 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
86%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#469

in Washington

#10,002

Overall
12 Views Last Month
5,541 Since Apr 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

14%
0%
57%
14%
14%
0%

Photos

Tunnel cave collapse
Apr 30, 2015 near Skykomish, WA
Wooden bridge for accessibility
Apr 30, 2015 near Skykomish, WA
Collapsed Tunnel
Apr 30, 2015 near Skykomish, WA
Tunnel Outer Walls
Apr 30, 2015 near Skykomish, WA
Creek along the Iron Goat Trail
Apr 30, 2015 near Skykomish, WA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 2, 2020
Chris J
Aug 5, 2019
Jennifer Crotty
Lower grade trail is beautifully maintained and easy to hike. Some parts were a bit narrow if accessing by wheelchair. Upper grade is extremely ove… 8.4mi
Jun 25, 2019
Jared Stewart
Jul 7, 2018
Christy C
Jun 10, 2017
Angela Carter
Oct 2, 2016
Joe Mirabella
Lovely fall hike. Saw some wildlife include a giant slug and a little snake. 5mi — 4h 00m
Jun 8, 2016
Emily S
6mi
Jun 5, 2016
Jo Ann Coker
Skye Hanson 6mi
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