Map of Iron Goat Trail from http://irongoat.org:
Simplified map of approximate elevations and distances between trailheads:
The Iron Goat trail has 3 trailheads:
*Wellington Trailhead
*Scenic / Interpretive Trailhead
*Martin Creek Trailhead.
WELLINGTON TRAILHEAD
The Wellington Trailhead is a really fun first hike. The trail map shows that it is 2.5 miles from the trailhead to the Windy Point Tunnel. However, there are 4 snow sheds along the way and it feels natural to turn back after any of them.
I didn't tell my 5 year-old about the tunnel, because I didn't want to disappoint him or have him think about how he couldn't do something. I also didn't want him to push himself to the tunnel at 2.5 miles, only to be exhausted on the way back. For folks up for a 5 mile hike, the Windy Point Tunnel entrance is a fun destination. For beginners, walking from the parking lot, through the first and longest snow shed, and back is about 1 mile. It is easy and flat and the experience of walking through an old snow shed is exciting, especially for littles!
From the parking lot, looking at the trail, we went to the right. Going to the left leads to an old tunnel entrance. It sounds like that would be exciting, but they blocked off the trail several years ago so hikers can't get close. This was the best picture we could get. It was a bummer to see the tunnel entrance in the distance but not be able to get a good view. There are much better ways to see tunnels along the Iron Goat Trail so I'd skip this little leg.
From the parking lot, looking at the trail, we went right / west. After passing some informational signs talking about the history of the old railroad town of Wellington, we saw the first snow shed. Even though one side is open to daylight, I called it a "tunnel" because it's like the daylight basement of tunnels. Jake was so excited he broke out our head lamps and insisted on turning them on.
With his headlamp in place, he set off through the tunnel.
Partway through the 1st snow shed, we encountered a little boardwalk out to a platform. It was a nice place to regroup in the sun and have a little change of scenery.
After a quick water break, we continued on our journey. Along the way, Jake found a big stick. Carrying a stick always make a hike more fun.
We decided to turn around here and head back. Because this was a summer weekend, we went to Stevens Pass and took a scenic chairlift ride, which was completely new adventure! Overall, this hike was great. It was mainly flat, it had a tunnel-like experience, which provides shade in the summer and shelter in the rain, making this a great year-round hike.
BEFORE YOU GO 1. Check out recent trip reports at the bottom of the WTA page:
Iron Goat - Martin Creek & Scenic/Interpretive Trailheads:
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/iron-goat-trail
Print out this map: http://irongoat.org/images/IGT2007.pdf
2. There is a pit toilet (like a permanent sani-can) on site, but it would be a good idea to bring some TP to keep in the car, just in case there is none. There is no running water so bring hand sanitizer.
3. Bring snacks and water.
4. Since this is right off of Highway 2 and near Stevens Pass, weak cell service is likely. However, it is never really guaranteed in National Forest land. Print out directions and a map ahead of time, just in case.
5. A National Forest Recreation Pass is required for this trailhead.
GETTING THERE
1. Bing Maps: http://binged.it/1UxVDHP. Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/yWpYv
2. There is no official address for the trail head, but it is easy to find. Enter the address for the Skykomish Ranger Station into GPS: 74920 Ne Stevens Pass Hwy, Skykomish, WA 98288. This is near milepost 50 on Highway 2. If someone wants to meet a real Forest Ranger, feel free to stop and say "hi." The Forest Rangers often have little things to give away to kids like a balloon or a sticker. Sometimes they run out, so don't promise anything ahead of time. They also have free maps as well as stuffed animals and books for sale. Check this website for hours: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbs/about-forest/offices/?cid=fsbdev7_001655
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There are several maps out there, and this is the best one I found: http://www.irongoat.org/maps.html.
After stopping at the Skykomish Ranger Station and talking to a Ranger about the best route, we started at the Wellington Trailhead (requires a forest service pass) because the Ranger said that there was both a tunnel to see and a snowshed. First of all, we missed the turnout. It is right before Stevens Pass and looks like a service road for Stevens Pass. Once we got to the Stevens Pass parking lot, I knew I had missed it so I turned around and found it right away. Because cell service is spotty, I was glad that I had printed out road maps & trail maps ahead of time to get myself back on track.
From the trailhead, we walked toward the tunnel. However, the path up to the tunnel has been closed for several years and is not only roped off, but the path leading up to the tunnel is overgrown to prevent folks from getting too close. My 5 year-old barely saw part of the tunnel structure from afar and wasn't too impressed. We walked back to the parking lot and started out the other direction, toward the snow shed. He really loved this. It's kind of like a tunnel, where there is a roof and one wall. However, the other side is open with concrete pillars for support. To him, it was a "pillar tunnel" and he loved it. We could have walked about 2.5 miles or so down to the Windy Point tunnel, but after walking the length of the 1st snowshed, we decided to turn around.
Next, we drove to the Iron Goat Interpretive Site because the Ranger mentioned there's a train car kids can climb on (outside only.) We spent a few minutes there. If the party is up for a 700' elevation climb, this is the quickest way to the Windy Point tunnel, which according to photos is cool. My friend and her 5 year-old made it up there and had a great time. I believe that no pass is required at this lot
Next, we decided to check out the Martin Creek trailhead. From the parking lot, we started out heading south on the paved trail that connects to the Interpretive Site. However, we took our first left up the connector trail to the upper trail. From there, we went south and found the 1st tunnel. We didn't go inside, but we did get pretty close to the outside - close enough that we could peek in. It was a cool sight! From there, we turned around and came back to the parking lot.
Before leaving the Martin Creek trailhead, we found a Kelly Creek trailhead on the NW part of the parking lot. We ventured to the tressle site, only to find out that it had been removed in 1929. That trail was a bit of a bust. From there, we decided we had explored enough for the day and headed home.
Of the 3 trailheads & trails we explored, the concrete snow shed at the Wellington trailhead was the easiest fun, although the Martin Creek trailhead was cool for leading us to an old decrepit tunnel.
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