Hiking the Historic Iron Goat Trail in Skykomish, WA 🚂🌲🐾

Simba 🐾 and I laced up our boots and set out on one of Washington’s most fascinating trails—the Iron Goat Trail near Skykomish. What makes this hike so special is its unique blend of railroad history and Cascades scenery, all along the route once used by the Great Northern Railway. From abandoned tunnels to interpretive signs, every step tells a story of grit, tragedy, and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains.

📍 Highlights from Our Hike

🚂 Walking the historic Great Northern Railway route
🕳️ Discovering abandoned tunnels, trestles, and interpretive signs
🌲 Hiking through lush forests and mountain views of the Cascades
❄️ Learning about the 1910 Wellington Avalanche—the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history
🐾 Watching Simba enjoy the dog-friendly trail and fresh mountain air

The Story Behind the Trail

The Iron Goat Trail gets its name from the railroad’s mountain goat logo, a symbol of perseverance in the rugged Cascades. But this trail isn’t just about pretty scenery—it’s also about history.

In 1910, tragedy struck when an avalanche near Wellington swept two trains off the tracks, killing 96 people. It remains the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history, and interpretive signs along the trail share the story of those events. Exploring this path felt like walking through a living history book—where nature’s beauty and power collide.

Hiking the Trail

The Iron Goat Trail is both scenic and accessible, with multiple trailheads and sections that range from easy strolls to longer explorations. You’ll pass mossy forests, roaring creeks, and remnants of the railway that once connected communities across the Cascades.

And yes—dogs are welcome! Simba loved every step, sniffing around the old tunnels and soaking in the fresh mountain air.

🎥 Watch the Video

Come along with Simba and me as we hike the Iron Goat Trail! 🚂🐾 From abandoned tunnels to breathtaking views, we’ll show you why this trail is such a unique mix of history and nature in Washington’s Cascade Mountains.

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