A hot day in Washington during the summer time? Want to get out and cool down. Head right on over to Snoqualmie Tunnel. There is plenty of parking and the tunnel is quite cold. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp with good batteries because this tunnel is dark! This 2.3 miles of tunnel is a fun hike. If you are claustrophobic or/and crept of the dark; this is not a hike for you. This tunnel is dark and damp. At the end of the tunnel there is a restroom and park benches to have a picnic. You can ride you bicycle through the tunnel if you want. Remember to be courteous to the hikers.

Over all this is a great place. Don’t hesitate to go because it might go away soon. The tunnel is old and decaying. I except this tunnel to be closed soon because of lack of funding to maintain such great historical tunnel.

The Break Down

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel at Snoqualmie Pass at the border of King County and Kittitas County in Washington State. It is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long.

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. It closed January 30, 2009 and reopened July 5, 2011 after renovations to the walls, ceiling, and path were completed.  Wikipedia

Location: Snoqualmie Tunnel is located at Coordinates 47°23.718′N 121°26.677′W

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

In 1980 the Milwaukee Road received approval from the Interstate Commerce Commission to abandon its western lines. On March 15, 1980, the final Milwaukee Road train passed through the tunnel. Later, Washington 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 usually closed between November 1 through early May due to ice formations inside the tunnel. On July 5, 2011 the tunnel re-opened after 11 months of renovations. The $700,000 renovation added a 4-inch layer of concrete to the walls and ceiling, a reinforced structure, and a new and improved walking surface of crushed rock

Points of interest: Dark and cold tunnel. Great way to get out of the heat in the Summer time.

This is a sneak peek of my weekend trip to Leavenworth. Here are some of the pictures of the journey there.

Nason Creek Safety Rest Area

Taking a break at Stevens Pass parking lot.

Little Tahoma and Mount Rainier

It’s not a big surprise that I love to go hiking, especially in the Great Northwest. With the incredible views and the incredible challenges, it gives you the satisfaction of accomplishment. Plus you have cool gear to play with on the way. This trip was no exception; it was the most beautiful hike I have done in Washington State yet. The hike was quite difficult, but was well worth journey. Next time I will probably leave my tripod behind and opt for caring more water or a water filter.

There is something about hiking across glaciers and glissading down permanent snow covered hills in the summertime is exhilarating. With the crisp cool breeze and the warmth of the sun shining on you, it is hard to relate it to any other feeling. It’s one of those things you have to experience yourself. Here are some pictures and a video of the trip.

Stats:

Location

Mt. Rainier — NE – Sunrise / White River

Mt. Rainier National Park

Lat/Long 46.8938,-121.5792

Statistics

Features

Old growth

Wildflowers/Meadows

Mountain views

Wildlife

Established campsites