Pacific Northwest Trail

This 1200-mile trail links Glacier National Park in Montana with the northwestmost point of the Olympic Peninsula at Cape Alava, Washington.

The Pacific Northwest Trail is an east-west route that uses existing trails and roads. It crosses seven national forests, three national parks, and some private and state land.

The trails route was first conceived and explored by Ron Strickland in 1970. In 1977, Strickland founded the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA), the organization that oversees education, maintenance, and fund-raising for the PNT.

The PNT has struggled to gain recognition (and funding) as a National Scenic Trail for years. If this status is ever reached, the PNT will join the ranks of other famous long distance trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.

View a list of Hiking Trails and Trail Systems.