About the Trail
The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile route from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean for long-distance hiking and non-motorized recreation. It travels through some the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the Northwest, crossing over mountain ranges and passing through lush, verdant forests. The route includes 3 national parks, 7 national forests, and 6 wilderness areas.
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.
America’s National Trails System The National Trails System spans the United States, providing unique opportunities to connect to nature, culture, and history in all 50 states, in both urban and rural settings. The National Trails System is made up of national scenic trails, national historic trails, and national recreation trails. The National Trails System was established by Congress in 1968 to to “provide for the ever-increasing outdoor recreation needs of on expanding population and in order to promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation.” (16 U.S.C. 1241)
- The Pacific Northwest Trail is 1,200 miles long.
- As a National Scenic Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail was created for long-distance non-motorized recreation. It is enjoyed by hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists.
- The Pacific Northwest Trail is located in three states: Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
- The Pacific Northwest Trail travels through seven National Forests and three National Parks. Approximately 80% of the Pacific Northwest Trail is on federally managed public land. Roughly 10% is on state land and less than 10% is on municipal and private lands.
- The Trail passes over three major mountain ranges: the Rockies, Cascades, and Olympics.
- Over 300 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail is located in designated Wilderness areas, including a traverse of the 530,000-acre Pasayten Wilderness.
- The Pacific Northwest Trail brings trail visitors through or near 18 communities between East Glacier, MT and Ozette, WA. These trail towns are popular places for hikers to rest, relax, and resupply with food and gear for the journey ahead.
- The Pacific Northwest Trail is home to a diverse array of natural wonders, including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, old-growth trees, rainforest mosses, orcas, and tide pools.
For more information on the Pacific Northwest Trail, visit the Pacific Northwest Trail Association's FAQ page.
Communities and trailheads in northwest Montana, north Idaho, and Washington provide access to the Pacific Northwest Trail for day and overnight visits. View national forests along the trail. Hikers traversing the entire National Scenic Trail start in Glacier National Park (westbound) or Olympic National Park (eastbound).
Permits are required at some trailheads and for overnight camping in national parks. The non-profit Pacific Northwest Trail Association provide up to date maps, permit information, and important safety information to help to plan your trip:
Forest Service Pacific Northwest Trail Interactive Map
This map provides a general outline of the trail and provides important information about trail uses along the route.
Open the map in a new window.
