The PNT national scenic trail is one of America's most outstanding hiking and equestrian trails.  Beginning in 1970, Ron "Pathfinder" Strickland conceived and explored what eventually became this 1200-mile route.  In 1977, he founded the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (www.pnt.org) to develop his vision of a continuous hiking and equestrian route via the Rocky Mountains, Selkirk Mountains, Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and Wilderness Coast. It became part of the National Trails System in 2009.  Strickland described the Trail's marvels in The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide.

The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide is the ultimate source for both day hikers and thru-hikers.  It is 396 pages long and includes (1) 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.  Let it inspire you to explore one of the world’s premier hiking routes.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU:

If you wish to help to develop (or to hike) the Trail, contact Jon Knechtel at 360-391-0788.  Please join the Pacific Northwest Trail Association.  Benefits include events, outings, camaraderie, work trips, updates, and newsletters. Anyone who joins can also have the satisfaction of knowing that he or she is contributing to the development and protection of a pathway that will benefit hikers for many generations to come.

THE PNT IS 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 or addition to the expected, settle practical life.  On the PNT, every day is a potential adventure.  The Trail experience speaks to something essential deep inside us.  Trail magic can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.  Make miles on the PNT and you will be sure to make memories.

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.  For example, the PNTA's youth education program, SKY, trains young people in backcountry trail construction and maintenance techniques.  This photo shows one fellow who really took the PNT’s message to heart.

FAQ

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.  (Note: about 12 percent of the Route has recently been relocated by the Pacific Northwest Trail Association; those changes are not reflected in our 2001 guidebook.)

WHEN WILL THERE BE A NEW (THIRD) EDITION OF THE PNT GUIDEBOOK?  ANSWER:  It is under development.

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, most sections have 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:  As of March 2009, all of the PNT is officially a national scenic trail within the National Trails System.  Thus, complete signage will gradually become available along the entire 1200-mile route.

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, with devoted tatoo.]