Snoqualmie Tunnel

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The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a 2.3 miles (4 km) abandoned railroad tunnel at Snoqualmie Pass. The tunnel now serves as part of a rail trail in Iron Horse State Park. The trail is called the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, but sometimes also called the Iron Horse Trail.

[edit] History

The tunnel was constructed from 1912-1914 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad as part of its line from Chicago to Seattle. Electrification in 1917 eliminated smoke dissipation issues.

In 1980 the railroad went bankrupt and the state acquired the right-of-way for recreational use.

Today the tunnel is part of the Iron Horse State Park rails-to-trails project. It is closed between November 1st through early May due to ice formations.

[edit] Directions

Leave I-90 at exit #54, turn south at the exit, then turn left at the stop sign follow the signs leading to Iron Horse State Park / Snoqualmie Tunnel and Keechelus Trail Head, then turn right before the Highway Maintenance area, then turn another right into the Trail Head parking lot.