Pulaski Tunnel Trail

The Pulaski Tunnel Trail follows a cascading creek into a cool, green forest, belying the devastation and horror that occurred here in 1910. That summer, drought, sparks from trains, and lightning touched off wildfires in the West that ultimately scorched three million acres of forest. Smoke darkened skies as far away as Boston. Ranger Ed Pulaski is credited with saving the lives of all but six of his 45-man crew when he herded them into an abandoned mine tunnel and threatened to shoot anyone who attempted to leave.  

     

Today, both the trail and the mine are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Within the firefighting community, Pulaski is also remembered for refining the two-bladed tool that bears his name.

Comments from the trailhead guest register:

• "A pilgrimage - Truly history from the ashes."
•   My grandpa was in the tunnel - Thankx."
•  "Had to pay respects to Ed and his crew. They fought a good fire fight."

Maps

• Vicinity Map (northern Idaho) 
• Area Map (from Wallace to the trailhead)
• Detail Map (trail)
• Trail Profile (elevation changes along trail)

 

Learn more about the Fires of 1910 and Pulaski's saga --->

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