We stopped by on the way back from Leavenworth for a short hike. The lower path is well maintained for at least the first mile. 

Went hiking here for the first time today. We took our 4 yr old, 6yr and small dog. It was a great hike for all of them. Overall the day was enjoyable. We started at Martin Creek so we could get to the tunnels faster. Right after post 1719 we encountered a baby black bear passing over the trail. Since we had a small dog and kids we made decision to turn around at that point. There was a small tree across the trail that you could duck under. It was on the ada section of the trail so could potentially pose a problem for someone pushing a wheelchair. 

Walked a section of the Iron Goat trail Sunday morning from the rest area off hwy 2.  Our route went directly up the crossover switch backs then east past the Windy Point tunnel and all the way to Wellington and the mouth of the old main tunnel then returned the way we came.  Restrooms are open and in decent condition at the rest area but everything, (including the restrooms,) was locked tight at the Wellington parking lot. The trail is dry the entire distance, though normally brushy in the swampy areas along the snowshed walls - lots of nettles which are basically impossible to entirely avoid, (ouch.)  No bear sign at all this time.  

I love this section of Iron Goat - you get to see the huge snow sheds, the original tunnel and all the Wellington stuff, plus all the views and wild flowers along the route back west.  There is a section about half way that consistently has more butterflies (in season) than anywhere else I know - there were thousands today and at least 5-6 different types. Don’t miss the pikas that are using the snow shed wall drain culverts as pika condos, “Eeep!”  

A super interesting walk with a bunch to see especially if you are into the area’s transportation history, (just consider some long pants to help with the nettles.)  

We visit this trail annually because it is a favorite with kids.  Hiked the lower grade with friends who had a stroller.  On a beautiful sunny Saturday, the trailhead parking lot was not full and there were not many people.  The shade on the lower portion of this trail and the cool air that blows from the tunnels and the adit make it a great choice on a hot day.  The only bummer about this trail, as we have noted in previous years, is that there are clusters of stinging nettles, some of which hang over the trail, especially near the snowsheds.  The trail is wide enough that you can avoid them if you are paying attention and know what you are looking for.

We started at the Martin Creek trailhead and took the lower route first.  The path is very wide and well-maintained.  The switchbacks were steep but didn't last long.  The upper trail on the way back was fine for about half the way, then overgrown to various degrees.  It's easy to keep track of the trail, but you have to push through some pretty thick vegetation at times.  I hacked away at some of it.  There is a sign describing a "crown jewel" of Windy Pass, saying there is a reservoir up the trail.  It sounded neat so we went but it was completely overgrown.  We hacked our way through hoping to see something awesome but it was a total disappointment.  There were just some large timbers with water flowing among them and I fell trying to see if the trail continued.  Do not recommend that excursion.  Overall a very beautiful hike with an interesting and tragic history.