I recently discovered a spur line that ran from Marion, past my place, and down the Little Bitterroot Valley. What was this little railroad?
The Hubbard Spur.
From Marion to Bitter Root was built in 1934 (4.66 mi). It was extended from Bitter Root to Hubbard in 1940 (2.55 mi).
Everything from Kila to Hubbard was removed in 1952 (20.18 mi).
Follow along below as I explore this piece of Marion history. Notice as of last May (2008) (bottom of page) I was not even aware of this spur's existence in my front yard. I suspected it but was unsure.
Cool Great Northern system map from 1949 showing the Hubbard
Spur.
I have discovered double tracking evidence about a mile and a half south of where the spur crosses Hubbart Dam Road! Pretty cool!
The railroad team on this fine Sunday consisted of Nathan,
Noah, Emy and myself. We hiked down to the siding from
Hubbart Road. The double tracking runs for 100 yards
approximately. One of the tracks proceeds another 1/4 mile
south before abruptly ending where the valley begins its
steep descent to the first waterfall and Hidden Lake below.
Hover your mouse over the images below for short
descriptions.
Spur line found south west of Marion
(5/26/08 8:00 a.m.)
I have found evidence of a railroad spur line on property that adjoins my property. A somewhat crude bed with countless railroad ties littered off the side is evident for a few miles. What is this spur line? I have read snippets of information about the Great Northern building a spur line towards Hubbart Reservoir to harvest the virgin forests that lie south-west of Marion. Did they?
This property was once owned by Mr. Norm Hanson of Sickler Creek residency, I hope to ask Mr. Hanson if he knows the details about this abandoned railbed.
I went railroad hunting this afternoon and what a discovery! Not only did I confirm the existence of a railroad spur running near my property, I followed it nearly into Marion. Proceeding north from my place, I quickly found where the grade crossed US highway 2 very close to where the Little Bitterroot River colverts underneath the asphalt. A Plum Creek road takes over the grade at this point until a locked gate is met.
Resuming my search at Bitterroot Drive, I met some folks on Griz Lane that not only knew about the abandoned line, but gave me some great information.
From what they know, the spur was abandoned in 1908, possibly built in 1903-1904. If one watches closely on Bitterroot Drive at the intersection of Lower Lost Prairie Road, the grown over grade sneaks across the road. One can follow it nearly all the way to Marion as the grade parallels Bitterrot Drive as it heads east. Old railroad ties complete with cuts and fills prove the train used to run here.
We do not know how far the spur travels down the Little Bitterroot Valley; that will be another day of venturing down the Red Gate road on ATV or foot. Nor do we know what it was used for although it is highly likely it was for logging the plentiful virgin forest here.
Below are the pictures I took of the grade. Hover over them with your mouse for a caption.