Upon the recommendation of the
Idaho State Parks and Recreation Board, the
Federal Highway Administration approved our
request for $20,925 to improve the old railroad grade
between East Shoshone Park and Lookout Pass.
(See
July 2004 News for details.)
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As indicated on a
graph
of trailhead elevations,
this expansion will actually be a quality
enhancement of a favorite "locals" ride.
Currently, bicycle enthusiasts may self-shuttle
themselves to Lookout Pass in order to drop 1600
feet to Mullan, where the
Trail of the
Coeur d'Alenes begins.
Or as shown on the photos below, the physically fit
may start in Mullan, ride the grade to Lookout Pass,
traverse the Montana border to Mullan Pass and drop
1900 feet to Mullan.
The photos were taken during last October's
Climb the Mountain with Jon
Cancer Benefit Ride.
A detailed description of this spectacular 1600 foot
climb with mileage markers may be found as part of
Connecting the Trail of the
Coeur d'Alenes to the Route of the Hiawatha.
The route was measured as 11.7 miles long when
Shoshone Park and the Fish
Hatchery were included; the newspaper article
quoted in the July 2004 News
estimated that the
more direct route using Mullan Pass Road to bypass
Shoshone Park makes the trail extension 9 miles long.
The grant will improve the compact dirt and gravel
riding surface where necessary, add solar
self-composting restrooms to match the ones on the
Trail, and add picnic
tables at view spots and informational signs at
historical railroad and mining locations.
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Move your mouse over
an image to bring it closer;
click on it
to see an enlargement in a separate window.
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The historic village of Larson is 2.7 miles east of Mullan.
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Notice the old railroad grade above Interstate 90.
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After passing Shoshone Park and the Fish Hatchery,
the longer route gives a good view of the rail grade
above I-90.
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The shorter route follows Mullan Pass Road to this junction
with Forest Road 3026, the start of the Friends
project.
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In about a mile, uphill riders going west will
pass under the Interstate.
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A mile and a half later, the Stevens and Lone Lake
Basins may be glimpsed.
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This is where trains had to stop and change
directions after the collapse of the famous S
Bridge. This is also the location of the
trailheads for steep hikes into Stevens or Lone Lake
Basins. The grant will place a solar
self-composting restroom here.
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You meet the nicest people on this multi-use recreational
trail (now headed east above I-90). The Friends
are working with ATV and snowmobile organizations to
optimize this trail for everyone! More pictures from
last year's cancer fund raiser coming next month.
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