This weekend marks the 101st anniversary of the “Big Blowup,” when 3 million acres of forestland went up in flames during the 1910 fires. In July of this year, I finally made the hike to Pulaski Tunnel outside of Wallace, Idaho, something I’d wanted to do for some time. The tunnel is where Ed Pulaski forced his fire crew at gunpoint and ordered them into the small tunnel as the inferno raged around them (you can read his firsthand account in this article). Because Wallace is not easy to get to, I thought I’d offer a virtual hike.
The trail was built by the Pulaski Project. The project was a substantial undertaking; researchers and archeologists had to first determine where the tunnel was; then came construction of the trail and installation of the signs in rugged country. Many thanks go to all of those who worked on the Pulaski Project.
The trailhead is just south of Wallace and the trail is a two-mile, mostly uphill, hike. Along the way you’ll find interpretive signs describing the Big Blowup and its aftermath, and about “Big Ed” and his life. (All photos are copyright James G. Lewis.)
The first few hundred yards are paved but then it’s compacted dirt the rest of the way. It’s a beautiful if slightly challenging hike because of the elevation change.
This the first sign along the trail. The trailhead is marked by posts with Pulaski tools on them.
To read the text on any of the signs, please click on the photo.
The trail runs along and above Placer Creek.
You’ve only started. There’s lots more to see after the jump.
You’re not on the trail very long before you see a reminder of what happened in 1910.
This sign dispels the myth that Ed Pulaski was a direct descendent of an American Revolution hero. When you see his obituary later, you’ll notice that that’s the first thing they noted about him.
The Big Burn wasn’t the only fire going on that summer. There were fires throughout the U.S. all year long.
This cedar snag is a remnant of the 1910 fire. It’s marked with a sign and is right along the trail.
The map shows the extent to which the smoke and debris affected the atmosphere over much of the U.S.
For much of the trail, there are no signs to read, no signs of what happened. Just the sounds of the murmuring creek and of insects and birds.
After 2 miles, you get to a loop that overlooks the tunnel itself. The signs here tell more about what happened as well as the work involved in restoring the site and a discussion of fire policy history.
There’s also a place for folks to sit and gather if they’re on a group hike or tour. It’s needed after the long walk uphill. Hope you brought enough snacks and water for everybody.
The use of Pulaski’s letters on the signs help bring the story to life.
Pulaski knew of the tunnel because he’d worked as a miner in the area.
This photo was taken about a month after the fire.
This blog post has a photo of the posts mentioned in the sign just before they were installed last summer. Also note the photo of the tunnel opening on the sign.
From the stone wall, you can see the tunnel opening from the high embankment. It’s not advisable (nor is it easy) to climb down there.
The opening is about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide at its widest. Once I saw the size of the opening, I understood why Pulaski tried to hang wet blankets over the opening to block the smoke.
This is one of three memorial markers in the Wallace area commemorating the dead firefighters. This one is at the tunnel overlook. The story of the markers is told on the first sign at the trailhead.
Ed Pulaski’s story quickly made him a legend.
In case you were wondering, some of the photos used in the signs are recreations. The one at lower left is not. Sometimes Pulaski is incorrectly identified as one of the men in it.
As you come around the loop to the main trail, you’ll see these two signs. Note the Pulaski tools on either side. Close-ups of the signs are below.
What the sign doesn’t tell you about Pulaski is that the Forest Service never paid any of his medical expenses or reimbursed him for all the work he did on memorial for the dead crewmen in town, nor did he make (or want to make) money off of the tool that bears his name.
Ed Pulaski’s injuries from the fire plagued him the rest of his life.
This sign does a good job of summarizing 100 years of the evolution of federal fire policy.
When I came around the loop and onto the main trail, I spotted Bullwinkle on his evening stroll. He doesn’t look pleased to find me on his trail.
A lone sentinel stands watch over the trail.
Peeling Back the Bark 
Thanks to all rangers and firefighters in whatever form or uniform for your work, past, present and future. We live on the edge of a fireswept area in an old mining town, now, and see firsthand each day nature’s beauty and it’s dangers. I suppose 4 to 6 feet of snow on the ground 3 days ago and virtually nothing now in three days’ time could maybe explain what precarious times we live in. I can scarce believe the rapid ebb and flow of all things natural. Thanks again.
As one of the members of the Pulaski Project, I’d just like to thank you for putting together this excellent post. Incidentally, so far — and despite no little prodding from us — the U.S. Forest Service has still not gotten around to preparing a proper web page for the Pulaski Tunnel Trail. A high quality brochure for the trail is also still needed. The trail is a Forest Service site and the Forest Service played a big role in its development. Your post may be the most useful reference for potential hikers currently available on the web. BTW, potential hikers are invited to pause at the sign-in registry at the end of the paved segment of the trail. Signing-in and leaving your comments helps us maintain support for the trail’s upkeep and improvement. We also love the comments! Again, many thanks. Ron Roizen, Wallace
I agree. Well done article and pictures. I am going to hike this trail very soon and have been searching the web for information, pictures, trail maps, etc. to find out about this trail and this is the most helpful and by far the most informative yet. Thanks again. Good work.
Excellent documentation/compilation which is of high-interest, especially to those who have read or learned about the Big Burn. I’ve just finished Egan’s book by the same title, and will visit this trail/memorial in Wallace as soon as the weather allows. This entry is a fitting tribute, and I think very well done. Thanks for doing this.
R. Landry, Photographer
Hamilton, MT
what a wonderful thing you have done here. many years ago i read about the big burn and ed pulaski so it is especially nice to see someone take the time to document the trail and those who built it. it seems to me after all these years, there should be some sort of renumeration to ed’s family from the forest service. and if not directly to them, then perhaps a foundation in his name. for him to not have received payment for his medical expenses is reprehensible.
When I was very young growing up in Kingston, Idaho, my Grandfather Leon Perry told me about the fire and that he and others were saved by going in an old mine shaft. I was too young to pay much attention at the time-sure wish I had. George Gage Lawndale, Calf
I just watched the PBS program, The Big Burn. My husband is a retired forest service employee (environmental engineer). My sons have worked some on maintenance crews and fish studies. Now they work in other endeavors. My daughter worked as a fire fighter for a few seasons and is now a student. They all gained from these jobs. I have always admired the tight sense of “family” and teaming characteristic of military services as well as the forest service. Thank you for the virtual tour of the Pulaski Trail. The loss of life and resources during this drought is epic. The courage and leadership of Ed Pulaski is legendary. I am especially impressed by the efforts of the Buffalo Soldiers in their efforts to safe the mining town in spite of their isolation. When my kids were young, we went to Wallace as tourists and I remember reading about the fire of 1910. My husband, Pat was our tour guide…I didn’t understand the magnitude of this fire event…I am paying better attention now! Thanks to everyone responsible to bring this trail and dedication to fruition….Hiking this trail just made it to my “bucket list”… Nina Trainor, Council, Idaho
This is a fascinating part of our American history. I learned about it from the book “The Big Burn” I believe this story should a part of history taught in our schools. So much to lern from the brave men and women of this era!
After viewing the movie “Only the Brave,” I did some research on wikipedia and found this link from a CNN article of the biggest burns in National Forest History. Thank you so much for this informative blog of the “Big Burn.” I would like more information on the Buffalo Soldiers that risked their lives fighting this fire. Were they among the 78 firefighters that perished? Did the Buffalo Soldiers have a continued role in the U.S. National Forest Agency? Thank you
Loved the pictures and commentary. I will never be able visit it myself, so thank you.