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Iron Horse State Park
Phone: (509) 656-2586
Fax: (509) 656-2294
City: Easton
Address:
Iron Horse State Park,
Po Box 26,
Easton, WALocated from Rattlesnake Lake to the Yakima River Valley.
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.
For more up to date information, visit the Iron Horse page on the state parks web site.
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Park Overview
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.
Marine Park: No
Park Hours
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Winter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The park is open year round for day use. The Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel closes Nov. 1 each year. The tunnel usually reopens May 1 each year.
A Sno-Park permit is required from Nov. 15 through April 30.
Winter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The park is open year round for day use. The Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel closes Nov. 1 each year. The tunnel usually reopens May 1 each year.
A Sno-Park permit is required from Nov. 15 through April 30.
Significant History
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.
Major Landmarks
In the Cascade Mountains, the trail cuts through basalt outcroppings, exposing large cliffs that tower above the trail. West of Thorp, the trail cuts through a sandstone deposit.
Interpretive Oportunities
Kiosks and panels are installed at Hyak, Easton, South Cle Elum, Thorp and Kittitas with a map of the trail and interpretive information.
Directions provided by the state parks department are given below the map,
or you can try to have google create the directions from the coordinates we have on file.
Leave I-90 at exit #32. Drive south on Cedar Falls Road 3.5 miles.
From Twin Falls:
Leave I-90 at exit #38, eastbond traffic turn right off exit, cross river and turn right into parking lot marked “Twin Falls natural area.”
Westbound traffic:
Turn left at exit, drive approx. two miles and park in the second lot on left marked "Twin Falls Natural Area."
From McClellan Butte:
Leave I-90 on exit #42, USFS Trailhead, turn south at exit. Follow signs.
From Annette Lake:
Leave I-90 on exit #47, USFS trailhead, turn south at exit and follow signs.
From Hyak:
Leave I-90 at exit #54, turn south at exit, turn east (left) on Hwy-906, 1/2 mile turn right on Lake Keechelus boat launch road, turn right on next road approx. 200 ft. In winter, you will need a Sno-Park permit to park in this lot.
From Easton:
Leave I-90 at exit #71, turn south to stop sign, cross Railroad Street, railroad tracks, turn left. Drive 1.4 mile to the parking area.
From South Cle Elum:
Leave I-90 at exit #84, follow signs to South Cle Elum. Once in town, follow signs to parking area.
From Thorp:
Leave I-90 at exit #101, turn north on Thorp Hwy, 1/2 mile turn left on Thorp Depot Road and 1/4 mile to parking area.
Directions
From Cedar Falls:Leave I-90 at exit #32. Drive south on Cedar Falls Road 3.5 miles.
From Twin Falls:
Leave I-90 at exit #38, eastbond traffic turn right off exit, cross river and turn right into parking lot marked “Twin Falls natural area.”
Westbound traffic:
Turn left at exit, drive approx. two miles and park in the second lot on left marked "Twin Falls Natural Area."
From McClellan Butte:
Leave I-90 on exit #42, USFS Trailhead, turn south at exit. Follow signs.
From Annette Lake:
Leave I-90 on exit #47, USFS trailhead, turn south at exit and follow signs.
From Hyak:
Leave I-90 at exit #54, turn south at exit, turn east (left) on Hwy-906, 1/2 mile turn right on Lake Keechelus boat launch road, turn right on next road approx. 200 ft. In winter, you will need a Sno-Park permit to park in this lot.
From Easton:
Leave I-90 at exit #71, turn south to stop sign, cross Railroad Street, railroad tracks, turn left. Drive 1.4 mile to the parking area.
From South Cle Elum:
Leave I-90 at exit #84, follow signs to South Cle Elum. Once in town, follow signs to parking area.
From Thorp:
Leave I-90 at exit #101, turn north on Thorp Hwy, 1/2 mile turn left on Thorp Depot Road and 1/4 mile to parking area.
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life | Plantlife |
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Bears
Bobcats
Chipmunks
Coyotes
Deer/Elk
Marmots
Otters
Rabbits
Raccoons
Skunks
Squirrels
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Crows/Ravens
Dove/Pigeon
Ducks
Eagles
Geese
Grouse
Hawks
Herons
Humming Birds
Jays
Osprey
Owls
Pheasant
Quail
Woodpeckers
Wrens
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Cedar
Nobel Fir
Ponderosa Pine
Yew
Alders
Apple Trees
Maple Trees
Oak Trees
Daisies
Foxgloves
Lupines
Orchids
Paintbrush
Rose
Berries
Ferns
Moss or Lichens
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| General | Trails | Freshwater Activities | Saltwater Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
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Swimming
Bird Watching
Wildlife Viewing
Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking
Interpretive
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110 mi. of Horse Trails
110 mi. of Biking Trailer
110 mi. of Hiking Trails
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Fishing
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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.
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| Park Services | Area Services |
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Boating
Camping Area
Groceries
Hardware
Hospital
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Most services are within a few miles, either side of the length of the trail. | |
