“Against the Grain” is the unofficial slogan of the Pacific Northwest Trail with good reason.
The 1,200 mile route climbs over seven mountain ranges using a combination of pathways which form the Crown-to-Coast route of the PNT.

Some of these pathways present unique risks that some visitors to the Inland and Pacific Northwest may be unfamiliar with. Other areas involve risks that mountaineers and climbers may be more familiar than hikers and equestrians typically are. Where these areas occur, the PNTA has taken care to call attention to them on our mapset and to describe them in this guide.

Those uncomfortable or unprepared for the situations described here, can plan to avoid these areas and explore other more accessible portions of the trail. All users should invest the time to Plan Ahead and Prepare for their trips; personal safety is never guaranteed on the Pacific Northwest Trail.

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