Discovering America's Wilderness: An Amtrak Empire Builder Hiking Expedition

Train journeys are experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the United States, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional travel. In 2025, Amtrak saw a record 34.5 million passengers, a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year. This growing appeal is attributed to the stress-free experience of bypassing airport security and parking hassles, fostering a more relaxed and enjoyable travel environment. While many utilize trains for direct transport, a unique opportunity exists to transform a cross-country rail trip into an expansive hiking expedition, particularly along the historic Empire Builder route.

The Empire Builder route stands out as an exceptional choice for adventurers looking to combine train travel with outdoor exploration. This legendary journey traces the path of Lewis and Clark, spanning from Chicago to Seattle, and weaving through vibrant cities, iconic national parks, and dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. Over three days and two nights, the train traverses diverse landscapes, from the serene Mississippi River bluffs and vast North Dakota prairies to the towering peaks of the Rockies and the dramatic canyons of the Cascades. While a continuous ride offers breathtaking scenery, the true potential of this route lies in its numerous stopover points, each providing access to incredible hiking trails.

To fully embrace this journey, travelers are encouraged to disembark and immerse themselves in the natural beauty along the way. Round-trip fares for the Empire Builder typically range from $600 for a Coach seat to over $1,500 for a private bedroom during peak season, with prices fluctuating based on the time of year. From the urban trails of Chicago to the wilderness of Glacier National Park, the route offers a rich tapestry of hiking experiences. The adventure begins in Chicago, Illinois, where the 210-mile Outerbelt thru-hike provides an urban greenway experience before boarding the train. This trail connects Chicago’s forest preserves with options for camping or glamping in nearby accommodations. With the train departing daily from Chicago’s Union Station at 3:05 p.m., hikers can seamlessly transition from urban exploration to cross-country travel.

Moving westward, the journey introduces more diverse landscapes. In Wisconsin Dells, adventurers can explore the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, known for its sandstone cliffs and pine forests. While tourist attractions abound, the region offers scenic day hikes like the Chapel Gorge Trail and the hidden slot canyon of Witches Gulch. For a more strenuous outing, Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin’s most-visited state park, boasts dramatic quartzite bluffs and access to the Ice Age Trail. Further along, the Winona, Minnesota, stop provides access to Perrot State Park and Great River Bluffs State Park, offering a plethora of day hikes. Between March and May, Perrot State Park bursts with wildflowers, and its 3.5-mile Perrot Ridge to Brady’s Bluff Loop offers stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River. Across the river, King's Bluff Trail in Great River Bluffs State Park presents sweeping views of Queen’s Bluff, making these stops worthwhile for nature enthusiasts.

The journey continues into the remote beauty of North Dakota, with a stop in Williston. While requiring a car rental to access, Little Missouri State Park offers over 45 miles of rugged badlands trails, characterized by buttes, coulees, and canyons. This less-explored region, once known as “Mako Shika” or “bad land” by the Lakota, provides a unique hiking experience amidst serene grasslands and dramatic sculpted rock formations, with sightings of golden eagles and the occasional rattlesnake. The 6.9-mile Little Missouri Loop provides a comprehensive taste of this distinctive landscape. One of the most anticipated stops is East Glacier, Montana, gateway to Glacier National Park. This park offers over 700 miles of combined trails, with the train route providing spectacular views of the Rockies. Visitors can choose from day hikes like the 7.4-mile Scenic Point Trail or the accessible Running Eagle Falls Trail, or embark on a longer challenge such as the 18-mile Dawson-Pitamakan Loop. The East Side Shuttle from Glacier Park Lodge provides convenient access to various trailheads, making exploration effortless.

As the Empire Builder approaches its western terminus, it makes a stop in Sandpoint, Idaho. Though the train passes through in the early morning, an overnight stay allows hikers to explore the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and the Sandpoint Trail along Lake Pend Oreille, offering views of the Cabinet Mountains. For more extensive day hikes, the Little Sand Creek Basin Trails in the Selkirk Mountains provide over 25 miles of trails descending nearly 4,000 feet, accessible via a chair lift from Schweitzer Mountain Resort. These trails wind through lush temperate rainforests, home to towering pines and huckleberry bushes. Finally, the journey concludes in Seattle, Washington, where urban parks like Discovery Park, Warren G. Magnuson Park, and Seward Park offer a refreshing contrast to the wilderness. Discovery Park boasts a 2.8-mile loop with meadows, forests, and sea cliffs, while Magnuson Park offers wetland paths ideal for birdwatching. Seward Park features a mossy, fern-filled old-growth forest loop, providing a fitting end to a diverse hiking adventure. Amtrak’s generous baggage policy allows for hiking gear, but flammable items like stove fuel and bear spray must be acquired locally. Multi-city ticketing facilitates stopovers, enabling travelers to disembark, hike, and rejoin the train at their leisure. The optimal time for this hiking-focused journey is from July to September, when high-alpine trails are clear of snow, offering longer daylight hours and the bonus of fall foliage in certain regions.