Wanted to stretch my legs after driving thru stevens pass so parked outside the locked gate at the interpretive center. While the pass had a small bit of slushy snow, the roadway near the center was bare and wet. I put on my rain jacket and gloves then headed straight up to windy point. Trail is snow free until about a quarter mile from the top junction. It was raining at the bottom and snowing at the top. Only a low covering of snow at windy point which had no views. Had a snack out of the elements inside the tunnel just past windy point then headed back down to the car, just over 2 miles round trip. didn't do the whole loop. Saw no one. the falling snow was lovely and at the time of my trip, safe to traverse in just waterproof boots.

We hiked from the interpretive center (which was closed and the lot gated and locked) to Wellington. Might be the last good day to hike this trail this year, as snow could hit the pass anytime now.

First mile is up thru the connector, really good incline, about 700 feet and 21 switchbacks, and that ends at the Windy point tunnel entrance. It's about 3.25 miles to the Wellington ghost town, which is a relatively easy incline the entire way. Trail was in really good shape. Highlights include the Windy point tunnel, Windy point viewpoint, the snowshed by Wellington, and the Cascade tunnel in/by the town remnants itself.

Only one other group on the trail. Ran into a State worker at Wellington, and he said we were fortunate to have the terrific Sunny weather we did at that time of the year, usually there is snow by this time of year. He didn't recommend snowshoeing on the Wellington end of the trail, thought that there was too much avalanche danger, and of course the sad history of the train wiped out there highlights that.

The interpretive center is closed. We parked just outside of the gates and did the loop starting with the lower grade then coming down from the higher grade. The concrete walls had water pouring off in tumults. Not many views since it was raining, but an overall nice hike with a lot of gems. 

This trail is an overlooked gem. I expected more of a road-like trail, but it was nice. I love history so exploring the history of the railroad associated with this trail was a pleasure. The trail does not seem to be extremely popular as I only encountered less than 10 other people.

I parked at the interpretive site right off hwy 2. I startup up the switchback trail to the upper grade and then turned right/east to head up to the Wellington town site. Round trip it was about 8 miles.

There are lots of interesting points along the path with interpretive signage. There are also a couple of nice viewpoints along the way. Make sure to read up on the Wellington avalanche before you go.

If you want more of a hike, you can add on the extra grade or start at the Martin Creek trailhead.

This was an accidental 14 mile hike.  What started as just the Iron Goat/Martin Creek trail became an expedition.  Most other trip reports include the pertinent details, but here's a few things that don't always get included:

Stop at the toilet. It's not smelly or gross. And on a clear day, it's worth it.

The connection from Windy Point to continue to Wellington is not well marked (if at all).  While you continue past the point signage, then the trail may appear to peter out against the huge cement wall. The wall footings are the trail. If you have issues with heights... don't look as the drop off is very close in some places.

Read the signs. Maybe i'm soft because my grandmother grew up on a train, but the story of these people, their craft in building all of this by hand, and the process of mother nature taking it back... is really amazing. Honor their work.

It's a great hike for folks and dogs. The lower trail is ADA and a nice way to warm up. The trail to Wellington, and the upper trail have some fun footing and great views. This is a great trail for budding photographers of all type, but especially those who like to play with light and shadow.