Overview
The Iron Goat Trail is a non-motorized recreational trail in the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, located in Skykomish River country on the western slopes of the Washington Cascades. It follows the abandoned grade of the Great Northern Railway's original Stevens Pass route, which was decommissioned in the 1920s after the catastrophic Wellington avalanche of 1910 — one of the deadliest avalanche disasters in US history — prompted the construction of a longer, lower tunnel.
The trail runs roughly 6 miles one-way and is managed cooperatively by the US Forest Service, the Washington Trails Association, and the Iron Goat Trail volunteer group. Two trailheads — Martin Creek and Scenic — allow hikers to access different sections or arrange a point-to-point walk. Much of the route is paved or compacted gravel, making portions accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, though some upper sections are rougher and uneven.
What distinguishes the Iron Goat Trail is the density of intact railroad infrastructure still visible along the route: concrete snowsheds, tunnel portals, retaining walls, and ventilation structures dating from the early 1900s. Interpretive signs placed throughout the corridor explain the engineering history and the Wellington disaster. For anyone interested in Pacific Northwest railway history, industrial archaeology, or simply a forested mountain walk with tangible historical context, this trail is worth the drive.
Before You Go
Permits and Passes
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required for parking at the trailheads. These passes are widely available at outdoor retailers, ranger stations, and online through Recreation.gov. Verify current fee requirements on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website or the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest site before your visit, as pass rules can change.
Seasonal Conditions
The upper elevations of the trail can hold snow well into June. The Forest Service and Washington Trails Association (wta.org) both publish current trail condition reports; check these before heading out, especially from April through mid-July. The Martin Creek trailhead sits at a lower elevation and typically opens earlier in the season than the Scenic trailhead.
What to Bring
- Layers: mountain weather changes quickly, even in summer
- Sturdy footwear; some trail sections are rocky and uneven
- Plenty of water — there are no water sources or facilities on the trail itself
- A headlamp if you plan to enter any tunnel sections (verify which, if any, are open to hikers)
- Trail map; cell coverage along the corridor is limited to nonexistent
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on leash. Pack out all waste.
Getting There
The Iron Goat Trail is located off US Highway 2, approximately 60 miles east of Everett and about 14 miles west of Stevens Pass summit. The two primary trailheads are accessed from Highway 2:
- Martin Creek Trailhead: Turn north onto Old Cascade Highway near milepost 55, then follow signs to the parking area. This trailhead offers the most accessible trail sections.
- Scenic Trailhead: Located farther east near milepost 58, with access via a short gravel road off Highway 2.
There is no public transit service to the trailheads. A personal vehicle or a car rental is effectively required. The drive from Seattle takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic; US-2 can be congested on summer weekends. From Leavenworth on the eastern side of Stevens Pass, the drive is approximately 30 to 40 minutes west on US-2.
Parking areas at both trailheads are small. Arrive early on weekends in summer and early fall to secure a spot.
Getting Around
Once at the trailhead, the trail itself is the primary means of movement. The two trailheads are connected by the trail, and some visitors arrange a car shuttle between Martin Creek and Scenic to walk point-to-point rather than retracing their steps. This requires two vehicles or coordination with another party.
The lower, paved interpretive loop near the Martin Creek trailhead is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs in good condition, though the grade and surface become more challenging on upper sections. Always check the most recent condition reports from WTA before planning an accessible visit.
Things to See & Do
Hiking the Trail
The full corridor offers roughly 12 miles of round-trip hiking if you walk out and back from one trailhead, or about 6 miles point-to-point with a shuttle. Most day visitors choose a partial out-and-back, taking in the interpretive signs and railroad structures closest to the Martin Creek trailhead before returning.
Exploring Railroad History
The concrete snowsheds — long, tunnel-like structures built to protect trains from avalanche — are the most visually striking remnants along the route. Some tunnel portals are visible, though entry into any underground sections should be approached with caution; verify with the Forest Service which areas are safe and open to public access.
Wildlife Watching
The forested corridor supports black bear, deer, and a variety of bird species. Bears are present in this part of the Cascades; carry bear spray and follow Leave No Trace practices.
Photography
The combination of dense old-growth forest, mossy concrete ruins, and filtered mountain light makes the Iron Goat Trail a productive location for landscape and architectural photography, particularly in early morning or in autumn when foliage turns.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Skykomish, a few miles west on US-2, has a small historic district worth a brief stop. Stevens Pass ski area is a short drive east and offers summer activities seasonally — verify what is operating before visiting.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage services at the trailheads or along the trail. Pack all food and water before leaving the highway corridor.
The small town of Skykomish (approximately 5–7 miles west on US-2) has limited dining and grocery options — verify what is currently operating, as small mountain towns can see businesses open and close seasonally. Leavenworth, roughly 35 miles east via US-2, has a wide range of restaurants and grocery stores and is a practical resupply point if you are basing yourself on the eastern side of the pass.
Practical Information
Cell Coverage
Expect little to no cell coverage at the trailheads or along the trail. Download offline maps before you leave populated areas, and let someone know your itinerary.
Restrooms
Vault toilets are available at the trailheads. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital and comprehensive emergency services are in Monroe or Wenatchee, depending on which side of Stevens Pass you are approaching from. Verify local emergency contacts and the nearest urgent care facility before your trip. In a wilderness emergency, call 911 if you have cell signal, or send someone for help.
Weather
Mountain weather in the Cascades can shift rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer. Check the National Weather Service forecast for the Stevens Pass area before your visit (weather.gov).
Leave No Trace
The trail corridor passes through both National Forest land and near historically sensitive structures. Stay on designated trails, do not disturb or remove any railroad artifacts, and pack out all waste.
Safety
The Iron Goat Trail is generally considered a moderate-difficulty hiking destination suitable for most fitness levels on its lower sections, but a few safety considerations deserve attention.
Tunnel and structure access: Some of the historic tunnels and snowsheds along the route are structurally compromised. Do not enter any structure that is not explicitly marked as open to the public by the managing agencies. Verify current access conditions with the Forest Service before your visit.
Wildlife: Black bears are native to this part of the Cascades. Carry bear spray, store food properly, and make noise while hiking to avoid surprise encounters. Cougars are also present in the region, though sightings are rare.
Trail conditions after rain: Some upper trail sections become muddy and slippery after precipitation. Use appropriate footwear and exercise caution near any drop-offs along the old railroad grade.
