Montage of Washington State Park scenes
spacer

Iron Horse
Photo of Iron Horse State Park

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.

Tunnel closures: Due to continued safety concerns, all tunnels at Iron Horse State Park - John Wayne Pioneer Trail (JWPT), with the exception of Snoqualmie Tunnel, are closed indefinitely. For up-to-date information on the tunnel closures, please call the Lake Easton State Park Area message phone at (509) 656-2230.

The closure affects the two tunnels between Thorp and South Cle Elum, one tunnel along Lake Easton, one tunnel between Easton and USFS Road 54 (Stampede Pass Road). Visitors are not permitted to use any of the tunnels and must turn around at the portals.

Tunnel 46 and 47 detour directions are as follows:
  • Eastbound travelers will find a map and detour signs three miles east of Cle Elum.
  • Follow the yellow bicycle signs with orange flags south off the JWPT.
  • Westbound travelers from Thorp will find the same detour signs east of Taneum Road; this route is south of the JWPT.
  • From the west, the detour starts at River Ranch Lane. Travel south to Lower Peoh Point Rd.
  • Travel east approximately 150 feet to Watson Cutoff Rd.
  • Turn south on Watson Cutoff Rd to Upper Peoh Point Rd.
  • Travel east four miles on Upper Peoh Point.
  • When the road turns to Thorp Prairie Rd., travel east on Thorp Prairie Rd 13 miles to E Taneum Rd.
  • Then travel northeast on E Taneum Rd. for two miles to the trail crossing.

Tunnel 49 between Easton and USFS Road 54 has a well-marked detour route that goes over and around the tunnel and is of moderate grade.

The tunnel along Lake Easton also offers a detour. Directions to take this detour are as follows:
  • Westbound visitors need to leave the JWPT in the town of Easton and turn right at the fire station.
  • Cross the railroad tracks to Railroad Street (stop sign) and turn left.
  • Travel through the town of Easton and turn left into the entrance of Lake Easton State Park.
  • Turn right at the main park intersection, travel one mile to the next stop sign, and then turn right again.
  • Travel approximately a half-mile, crossing the old highway bridge to the end of the pavement.
  • Turn left onto the gravel road and follow this road approximately ¾ mile until it merges with the JWPT.

Park staff is working with other agencies and private land owners to identify detour routes in the areas near the other tunnels. For up-to-date information on the tunnel closures, please call the Lake Easton State Park Area message phone at (509) 656-2230.



Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

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.

A Sno-Park permit is required from Nov. 15 through April 30.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks


Current alerts:

The Snoqualmie Tunnel (tunnel 50) will be closed for the season beginning Oct. 29 and will reopen May 1, 2013, depending on weather conditions. All remaining tunnels are closed indefinitely.


Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.


Discover Pass logo, red box wrapped like a gift and text, Give the Gift of the Great Outdoors.The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!

Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.