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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
King Country Region
Iron Horse State Park
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Iron Horse State Park © Gene Bisbee / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mine Creek Trestle, on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, in Iron Horse State Park, Washington state. This former railroad trestle retains the steel gantries that once held the overhead electrical wires for the Milwaukee Road electric trains that once crossed it.
Iron Horse State Park © gillfoto / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bridge of Cle Elum Iron Horse State Park
Iron Horse State Park © Gene Bisbee / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Change Creek trestle, on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, which uses the right-of-way of a former Milwaukee Road electric railroad line in Washington state.
Iron Horse State Park © Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Along Iron Horse Trail
Iron Horse State Park © Walter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Iron Horse Trail footbridge formerly the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad BNSF Railway line below
Iron Horse State Park © Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Iron Horse State Park road sign
Iron Horse State Park © Jrg1000 / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Cross-country skiing on the Iron Horse State Park trail in early January.
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IRON HORSE STATE PARK
IRON HORSE STATE PARK
150 Lake Easton State Park Road
North Bend, Washington   98045
(lat:47.4346 lon:-121.7489) map location

Phone: 888-226-7688
Iron Horse State Park is a 1,612-acre park that was once part of the path of the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad. More than 100 miles of trail extends from Cedar Falls to the Columbia River. High trestles provide spectacular views of the valley below. The park offers more than 100 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trail along the route of a historic railroad. Winter sport opportunities are available.
Nature of the Area

History of the Area
Originally, the trail right-of-way was part of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. The railroad operated between 1908 and 1980, when the company went into bankruptcy. The state's Department of Natural Resources acquired much of the property and turned it over to State Parks, which continues to acquire land and make improvements to the area.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
There are four campgrounds along the trail, each with three to four campsites, one picnic table and a vault toilet. They are located at milepost 2109.5 at Roaring Creek, milepost 2113.2 at Cold Creek, milepost 2123.2 at Carter Creek and milepost 2127.1 at Alice Creek.

Camping is also available near the trail at U.S. Forest Service campgrounds at Tinkham, Denny Creek, Lake Kachess and Crystal Springs. There is state park camping at Lake Easton and Wanapum.

More about park hours Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Yakima River, known for rainbow trout. Other species include cutthroat and brook trout.



Picnicking
Iron Horse State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. It's a great spot to enjoy outdoor meals with family.
Trails
1. John Wayne Pioneer Trail: This is the longest trail in Iron Horse State Park, stretching over 100 miles from North Bend to Tekoa near Idaho border. It's a converted railroad track with gentle grades and stunning views of mountains, rivers, forests.

2. Snoqualmie Tunnel: A unique feature on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail that extends for about 2.3 miles through solid rock mountain under Snoqualmie Pass; it's dark inside so hikers need flashlights or headlamps.

3. Cedar Falls Trailhead: Located at Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area just outside North Bend town center; this section offers beautiful lake views and access to picnic areas as well as restrooms facilities.

4. Twin Falls Section: An approximately seven-mile stretch between Olallie State Park and Twin Fall Natural area offering scenic river vistas along South Fork Snoqualmie River.

5. Hyak Station - Keechelus Lake Segment: Starting point for many hikes around Hyak region including Gold Creek Pond loop hike which provides panoramic view of surrounding peaks.

6. Easton Reload Site - Cle Elum River Campground segment: Approximately ten mile long flat gravel path ideal for biking, horse riding besides hiking . The route passes by Easton state airport before ending up at popular camping site beside Cle Elum river.

7. South cle elum depot: Thorp Depot segment Another relatively easy six mile trek passing through agricultural fields providing glimpse into local farming community life style.

8. Thorp Mill Town Historic Preserve Loop Hike: Short one mile round trip starting from historic thorp mill building showcasing rich history associated with early settlers in Washington state.

9. Yakima Training Center Boundary: Tekoa City Limits Segment Final easternmost part covering almost fifty percent total length of park trails traversing diverse landscapes ranging from shrub:steppe desert like conditions towards Yakima end transitioning gradually into fertile Palouse farmlands as one approaches Tekoa city limits.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 100 miles of converted railway trails. Be cautious, as some areas are remote.

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail offers a scenic biking route. However, it's not maintained regularly so tread carefully.

For those seeking an easy ride, the Cedar Falls to Rattlesnake Lake trail is ideal but watch for pedestrians.

Experienced bikers may prefer Snoqualmie Tunnel; remember your lights and warm clothes due to its dark and cold conditions.

Ensure you're prepared with supplies - food, water and repair kits - since services along these routes are limited.

Always respect wildlife while riding through this park's diverse ecosystems - safety should be paramount at all times.

Remember that weather in Washington can change rapidly; always check forecasts before embarking on any bike journey here.

Lastly: helmets aren't optional! They're required by law when cycling within state parks in Washington State.
Area Attractions
The 100-mile-long John Wayne Pioneer Trail meanders through a variety of ecosystems and geological zones. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail with the exception of snowmobiles in winter, which are allowed from Stampede Pass Rd. to Cabin Creek. Horse-drawn wagon users must obtain a key to the gates of Lake Easton State Park.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 6 Thank you ever so, much by Smalls
park review stars; one to five You are preserving an absolutely, but simple place that I, Smalls, may continue To be, feel and remember my mother For this, I am eternally grateful,
June 21 Trail will reopen
park review stars; one to five There has been a problem in the tunnels and there was a washout just East of the summit. These have now been repaired, and as of July, 2011, the trail will reopen between Cedar Falls and Hyak.
October 15 Why is the trail closed? by MJL.
park review stars; one to five We tried to walk from the cedar falls learning center to the state Park and the trail is closed. what is the problem.
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Area Campgrounds
Snoqualmie River RV Park & Campground
34807 SE 44th Place
Fall City, WA
425-222-5545
Blue Sky R.V. Park
9002 302nd Avenue SE
Preston, WA
425-222-7910
Tall Chief RV Campground
29290 Southeast 8th Street
Fall City, WA
425-222-0778
Nearby Hotels
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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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