Posted in Washington Attractions May 02, 2021 by

Most People Have No Idea This Unique Tunnel In Washington Exists

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is an unusual part of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail in Iron Horse State Park. This old, abandoned unique tunnel in Washington underneath Snoqualmie Pass now serves as a dark, 2.3-mile hiking and biking path that looks like it came straight out of a horror movie.

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Steve Cyr/Flickr
The tunnel was originally built in 1912-14, as part of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. But eventually, the railroad abandoned the western lines, and it was later converted as a "rail-to-trail" along the John Wayne Pioneer Trail (which continues all the way to the Idaho border).
drums600/Wikipedia
The final train passed through this tunnel on March 15, 1980. It was then acquired by the state, and re-opened to the public for recreational hiking and biking.

You can find the east entrance to the tunnel about 1/3 of a mile walk in along the trail. Before heading inside, be sure to check out all of the information boards and signs near the entrance that explain more about the area's railroad history.
Robert Ashworth/Flickr
Other than a small curve near the beginning, the walk through the tunnel is pretty much straight for the whole trip - with the light at the end barely visible for most of the way. And like a cave, the tunnel is cold, dark, and there's dripping water - so you'll want to bring multiple sources of light, reflective gear, as well as an extra jacket.
Gene Bissbee/Flickr
The western portal has a double-arched entrance - one for the tunnel, and the other where a phone and other equipment used to be stored. After reaching the exit, you'll find picnic tables, a small toilet, garbage can, wonderful views of the Cascades, and a lovely small waterfall on the right.
Steve Cyr/Flickr
Recently renovated in 2011, the tunnel now features a much improved walking surface, ceiling, walls, and reinforced structure. Luckily, it's open for the season right now, but the tunnel is closed from November through May because of ice formations inside.

Check out this short, 42-second clip traveling though this old, dark tunnel - from Youtube user Pacific North Wanderers:




You'll also want to bring a Discover Pass for parking (which are available online here, and at the automated stations in the parking lot).

While you’re in the Snoqualmie area, be sure to also head over and see the gorgeous Franklin Falls.

Have you been through this unique tunnel before? Or would you like to check it out sometime?

Address: Snoqualmie Pass, WA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Unique Tunnel In Washington

May 07, 2021
Leah

What other abandoned places in Washington should I visit?

The Snoqualmie Tunnel in Washington isn’t the only abandoned place to visit. If you are drawn to things that are being overtaken by nature and are a bit on the creepier side, here is a couple for you. Nestled in the Mount Rainier area is the ghost town of Melmont. It’s been long since abandoned but you can hike to it and see what remains. There are a few building foundations, the remnants of a bridge, and rotting cars covered in plants and moss. Govan, Washington is another ghost town that you can visit. The empty shells of buildings are quite eerie, including a schoolhouse and post office.

What hidden gems in Washington are worth checking out?

You may have never known that this tunnel trail existed, but now that you do, you might be wondering what other hidden places are hiding in Washington. For another unique hike to an unusual tunnel of sorts, visit the Blue Lake Rhino Cave near Coulee City, Washington. It’s a cave that is rhino-shaped, hence the name, but the shape didn’t come by coincidence. The tunnel was formed when a prehistoric ancestor of the modern rhino, called a Diceratherium, got caught in a lava flow. The lava cooled around the animal’s body and turned into the rock that remains today. It’s well worth the scenic hike to get to it.

What are the most unique places in Washington?

Abandoned and rhino-shaped tunnels are certainly unique, and there is more where that came from. If you enjoy unusual, sometimes downright bizarre places, this might interest you. There is a very strange, yet fascinating hill near Prosser, Washington. Known as the Gravity Hill, you can stop your car and put it in neutral, and then be amazed when you watch it roll uphill. Though some question it as being nothing more than an optical illusion, others have said they have checked the elevation and can see it is an actual incline. How does your car roll up it? Good question – experience it for yourself and try to figure it out!

Address: Snoqualmie Pass, WA, USA