The Pacific Northwest Trail is a unique pathway that travels through some of the most spectacular and scenic terrain in the United States and connects people and communities of the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Northwest Trail begins near the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park and travels more than 1,200 miles through Montana, Idaho, and Washington before reaching its western terminus at the Pacific Ocean near Cape Alava.
The Pacific Northwest Trail travels through rugged, remote wilderness and downtown Main Streets in small communities. In some areas, hundreds of thousands of people enjoy this national treasure each year while in others, only a handful of people walk the trail. Some travel only a few miles, while others complete a “thru-hike” of the entire trail in one season.
One of America's Newest National Scenic Trails
First proposed in the early 1970s, the Pacific Northwest Trail was designated by Congress as one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. The National Trails System Act calls for these trails to be located to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential as well as the conservation and enjoyment of the scenic, historic, natural, and cultural resources in the areas through which these trails pass.
Begin Your Journey
Check out this slideshow with more information about the Pacific Northwest Trail route, history, and current planning efforts.
To learn about volunteer opportunities and planning a trip on the Pacific Northwest Trail, visit the website of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association.
