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THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRAIL
HISTORY:
The 110th Congress did not pass the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Act of 2008 despite overwhelming public support.
Yet we are very optimistic about 2009. Although no new national scenic
trails have been designated since 1983, pressure continues to mount to
recognize the PNT. If you want to help to develop (or to hike) the Trail,
please contact Jon Knechtel at 360-391-0788.
What is the history of this outstanding hiking
and equestrian trail? Beginning in 1970, Ron "Pathfinder" Strickland
conceived and explored what eventually became the 1200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail, one of the
world's most scenic
pathways. In 1977, he founded the
Pacific Northwest Trail Association (www.pnt.org) to
develop his vision of a Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
For over three decades the PNTA has built and maintained this fabulous hiking and equestrian
route that includes the Rocky
Mountains, Selkirk Mountains, Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades, Olympic
Mountains, and Wilderness Coast. The Trail's marvels are described in The
Pacific Northwest Trail Guide (Sasquatch Books, 2001.
)
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRAIL GUIDEBOOK:
"It is a trail hound’s where-to-go, what-turn-to-take guide
stuffed with dozens of topographic map sections, pragmatic tips (e.g., supply
points) and your choice of routes." Seattle
Times, May 3, 2001
"It is a very well written and organized guide. Ted Hitzroth’s maps are
outstanding." The Distance Hiker’s Gazette,
Newsletter of ALDHA-WEST, Summer 2002
The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide is the ultimate
source for both day hikers and thru-hikers. It is 396 pages long and includes a
17"-wide fold-out overview map of the Trail and (2) a series of detailed
topographic maps. This guidebook is more than just a turn right, turn left
description. It is also a blueprint for the future development and
preservation of the Trail. And it inspire your participation in the
Trail.
IS THE PNT FOR YOU:
Remember that walking is beautifully simple. And both day hikes
and long distance walking have the purity and economy of well-lived days.
Trekking is both esthetically pleasing and physically fulfilling. For many
of us, walking is a must, a passion.
Often the quality of a romance is colored by its
circumstances. Walkers' finest experiences are likely to occur in the most
inspiring surroundings. The Pacific Northwest Trail offers more than 1,000
miles of tide pools, alpine gardens, rain forests, and saltwater coasts.
But that does not adequately explain the lure of the
PNT. The word "recreation" suggests the beginning of an
answer. But "freedom" is closer to the Trail's ultimate
mystique. Just to know that the trail is out there - regardless of whether
we hike it or not - enriches our sense of the possibilities of life.
The frontier shaped earlier generations of Americans
through its old safety valve of "lighting out for the
territory." Nowadays, long distance trails echo those past
opportunities for personal independence.
The nonromantic 21st century is, we hear, a time to
concentrate on the bottom line. But many of us hunger for something
more. Long distance pilgrimages are an exciting alternative to the
expected, settle practical life. On the PNT, every day is a potential
adventure. And the horizon ahead is a sure inspiration. The Trail
experience speaks to something essential deep inside us. It is as simple
as putting one foot in front of the other. It is a memory-maker and a
soul-saver.
Experience the romance and challenge of the PNT for
yourself. The first pleasure comes from the country's mountains, rivers,
coasts. But another delight is your feeling of accomplishment from
navigating the unknown. One of the richest experiences is that of making
lasting friendships among people with whom you have shared this special
love. Ultimately there are as many ways to enjoy the Pacific Northwest
Trail as there are people traveling it.
So what are you waiting for?
THE PNT AND THE NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM:
Ever since Ron Strickland founded the Pacific Northwest Trail Association in
1977 (as a non-profit group of like-minded hikers and horse riders), its goal
has been full congressional protection of
the route as a "national scenic trail" within the National Trails
System. Please help to reach this goal by joining the PNTA and by helping
to pass the 2009 PNT bill. Only
"national scenic trail" status can guarantee the PNT's future.
FAQ: PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRAIL
What navigational materials are needed to thru-hike the PNT? ANSWER:
The 2001 guidebook is the key to a successful thru-hike. You will find
that its excellent maps and text are a necessity (especially since the Trail is
egregiously deficient in blazes and signs.) As
of this time, no PNT data book, trip planner, or waypoint list is yet available.
However, famed cartographer Ted Hitzroth has created a GIS file to display the
route of the Pacific Northwest Trail as described in our 2001 guidebook, The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide. We recommend that you obtain this file from us, then open it in Google Earth.
Though not sufficient for navigation, this file will give you a good overview of the
PNT at any scale you choose.
(Note: about 12 percent of the Route has recently been relocated by the Pacific
Northwest Trail Association; those changes are not reflected in this file.)
WHEN WILL THERE BE A NEW (THIRD) EDITION OF THE PNT GUIDEBOOK?
ANSWER: There will be no further commercially-published edition of the PNT guidebook until
Congress passes the pending PNT legislation. However, a CD version may be
available soon.
IS A WEST-TO-EAST DESCRIPTION AVAILABLE? ANSWER: No.
IS GPS NECESSARY TO HIKE THE PNT? ANSWER: No, GPS is not
strictly necessary. However, in a few areas it would be very useful.
One problem with GPS is that there is still no downloadable list of PNT
waypoints. Without such a list you would need to have both a paper
7.5-minute topo for each location and a plastic grid reader (and, of course,
know how to use them.)
DOES THE PNT HAVE TRAIL ANGELS? ANSWER: No. However,
each section has PNTA volunteers who develop and maintain the pathway. You
may wish to turn to them for advice about the route, snow pack, etc.
IS THERE A LIST OF FOOD DROP ADDRESSES? ANSWER: Yes.
Each guidebook section lists post offices and other possibilities.
HOW MUCH OF THE PNT IS "OFFICIAL"? ANSWER: "National
recreation trail" status exists for the PNT in its three national parks and in
several other areas. "National scenic trail" status awaits passage of
the Pacific Northwest Trail bill (that is available for you to read below.)
DOES THE PNT HAVE A PROGRAM OF YOUTH EMPLOYMENT? ANSWER: Yes.
Contact the PNTA about its excellent SKY program. [Please note the above
photo of one of SKY's graduates.]
WHERE CAN I FIND THE TEXT OF THE 2008 PNT BILL? ANSWER: Right here:
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Act of 2008
(Introduced in House)
HR 5926 IH, 110th CONGRESS, 2d Session
H. R. 5926: To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, April 30, 2008
Mr. DICKS (for himself, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. INSLEE, and Mr.
MCDERMOTT) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
A BILL To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Pacific
Northwest National Scenic Trail.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Act of 2008'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) in accordance with section 5(c)(22) of the National Trails System Act
(16 U.S.C. 1244(c)(22)), a feasibility study of the proposed Pacific
Northwest Trail was--
(A) conducted by the Director of the National Park Service and the Chief
of the Forest Service; and
(B) completed in June 1980;
(2) the feasibility study contained--
(A) a conclusion that the Pacific Northwest Trail `would have the scenic
and recreational qualities needed for designation as a National Scenic
Trail'; but
(B) a recommendation against the designation of the Pacific Northwest
Trail, citing as obstacles factors that are present in every other national
scenic trail that has been designated under the National Trails System Act
(16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.);
(3) undaunted, the founder of the Pacific Northwest Trail and many
supporters--
(A) moved forward with the creation of the Pacific Northwest Trail; and
(B) established a private volunteer organization to build, maintain, and
promote the Pacific Northwest Trail;
(4) similar to each other national scenic trail designated under the
National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.), the Pacific Northwest
Trail stands as an outstanding example of the recreational opportunities
that can be provided through a partnership among the Federal Government,
State and local governments, private nonprofit trail organizations,
individual volunteers, and landowners;
(5) today, approximately 950 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail are
completed and provide significant outdoor recreational experiences to
citizens and visitors of the United States, thus providing on-the-ground
proof of the feasibility and desirability of designating the Pacific
Northwest Trail as a national scenic trail, as required under section 5(b)
of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(b));
(6) three segments of the Pacific Northwest Trail have already been
designated by Congress as national recreation trails; and
(7) because the entire route of the Pacific Northwest Trail was found to
qualify for designation as a national scenic trail, Congress should--
(A) designate the entire Pacific Northwest Trail as a national scenic
trail; and
(B) provide administrative, technical, and financial assistance in
accordance with the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.).
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL.
Section 5(a) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
`(26) PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL-
`(A) IN GENERAL- The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, a trail of
approximately 1,200 miles, extending from the Continental Divide in Glacier
National Park, Montana, to the Pacific Ocean Coast in Olympic National Park,
Washington, following the route depicted on the map entitled `Pacific
Northwest National Scenic Trail: Proposed Trail', numbered T12/80,000, and
dated February 2008 (referred to in this paragraph as the `map').
`(B) AVAILABILITY OF MAP- The map shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.
`(C) ADMINISTRATION- The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail shall be
administered by the Secretary of the Interior.
`(D) LAND ACQUISITION- The United States shall not acquire for tide
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail any land or interest in land outside
the exterior boundary of any federally managed area without the consent of
the owner of the land or interest in land.'.
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