Established: March 30, 2009
Managing Nonprofit: Pacific Northwest Trail Association
Managing Agency: USDA Forest Service
Overview map of the PNNST courtesy of the USDA Forest Service.
The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNST) is a 1,200-mile continuous pathway from the soaring peaks along the Continental Divide to the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean. The trail passes through wild and diverse landscapes across seven mountain ranges, three national parks, seven national forests, and six federally designated Wilderness areas. Some of the iconic species of the region include grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, mountain lions, lynx, wolverines, wolves, seals, salmon, otters and orcas.
Western Terminus: Cape Alava in Olympic National Park, Washington
Eastern Terminus: Port of Chief Mountain, near Glacier National Park, Montana
The PNNST connects the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Along its route in northern Montana, Idaho, and Washington, the PNT provides opportunities to explore historic western towns, vast roadless areas, rugged beaches, ancient forests, rolling parklands, delicate alpine meadows, and mountain ranges containing the largest concentration of glaciers in the “lower 48”.
