This is a delightful loop back into history, full of scenic surprises. Thanks to the Volunteers for Outdoor Washington (VOW) this historic rail line through the Cascades has been rescued from oblivion and transformed into a top-notch trail ideal for hikers of all ages and abilities, as well as for lovers of Northwest and railroad history. So get your caboose in gear and, with all due respect to the Man in Black, walk the line!

The focal point of the Stevens Pass Historic District, the Iron Goat Trail retraces part of the Great Northern Railway, northernmost of the nineteenth-century U.S. transcontinental rail lines. The creation of Minnesota tycoon James J. Hill ("The Empire Builder"), the Great Northern reached Seattle in 1893, greatly stimulating commerce and settlement in the region. Iron Goat, the name chosen for the trail, comes from the railroad's logo, a mountain goat.

Before beginning, check out the 1951 caboose and informative kiosk dedicated to Ruth Ittner, the driving force behind the trail and one of the founders of VOW. And before arriving, check out the trail's website (www.irongoat.org) or the Iron Goat Trail guidebook (The Mountaineers Books, 1999) to get the most out of your visit.

This hike makes a loop, following the original rail grade (in use 1893-1929) for a little over 4 miles and using two crossover trails built by VOW. Beginning on pavement, come to a junction in 500 feet. Continue straight; you'll be returning on the right-hand trail. A large milepost sign soon greets you. The number, 1720, denotes the mileage from St. Paul, Minnesota, the Great Northern's originating city.

Climbing on a grade made for trains (easy), the trail begins a long switchback toward Stevens Pass. Although this area is now pleasantly shaded and thickly forested, try to imagine it 100 years ago with tree-denuded slopes. At 0.25 mile pass the first of many walls that once supported snowsheds protecting the line from avalanches (see "Train Wreck Waiting to Happen" in this section). After another mile the trail swings around a twin set of tunnels. The tunnels, as well as many of the trestles along the Iron Goat, have collapsed and are now unsafe. Trail builders bypassed the tunnels and replaced the trestles with new bridges.

At 1.7 miles take a break from all of the history to enjoy a nice view up the Deception Creek valley. At 2.1 miles, just past milepost 1718, reach a junction with the Corea Crossover Trail (elev. 2375 ft). The Iron Goat continues straight to the Martin Creek trailhead. Take the crossover path right, climbing back to the rail grade at milepost 1716 (elev. 2600 ft).

Then turn right and head toward St. Paul. Pass the Spillway Spur, an interesting side trip to an old reservoir. Pass more shed walls, some now sporting waterfalls, and excellent overlooks of nearby mountains and the valley below. At 4.4 miles, just past milepost 1714 and at the beginning of the Windy Point Tunnel, come to a junction with the Windy Point Crossover Trail (elev. 2800 ft).

Remaining on the Iron Goat Trail, make the short 0.25-mile trip to Windy Point for excellent views out toward Stevens Pass and the Surprise Creek valley. Then return to your vehicle via the Windy Point Crossover Trail, steeply descending sunny slopes back to the parking lot.