PNTA Releases 2026 Maps

The Pacific Northwest Trail Association is taking orders for 2026 print maps! The maps are tear and water resistant, and provide hikers with information they might miss out on with other guides. 

Order here by May 15 to secure your copy for the 2026 hiking season.

Why Should I Have A Print Map When I Have FarOut?

Although you might be able to navigate other National Scenic Trails without the aid of a physical map, you’ll find it’s a useful addition to your backpacking gear on the Pacific Northwest Trail. Not only will our map set not require re-charging, it also provides many helpful notes and additional information about the trail not found in other navigational resources. The PNT is one of the most rugged of all eleven national scenic trails.

As it’s still in an early stage of development, much of the trail is still unsigned and unmarked, and it’s important to be prepared.  Whether you find yourself bushwhacking through dense forest, or navigating a maze of cattle paths — you’ll be glad to be able to have a detailed birds eye view of the geography of the PNT, while reading any additional helpful information like food storage regulations, closures, or alternates on each page.

Additionally, each map set purchased comes with a membership to the Pacific Northwest Trail Association. You’re not just buying a map set, you’re supporting each trail crew that puts their summer days and sweat into clearing logs and maintaining the tread you hike on. You’re ensuring we’re able to continue to provide hikers like you with valuable resources like print maps, closure notifications and regular newsletter updates about the trail. You’re advocating for the completion and protection of the 1,200 mile long trail you’ll navigate. Help us to keep the legacy of stewardship and conservation going — and help your future self out with a reliable source of navigation!

Read on below for some changes to the 2026 PNT map set.

Route Changes

  • PNTA has reopened the six miles from Whatcom Pass to the Chilliwhack River after a three year closure due to severe wildfire damage. Hikers are permitted to pass through the six miles that were previously closed. As of the time of this map printing, overnight camping within the former closure remains prohibited. Confirm campsite availability with the North Cascades National Park Wilderness Information Center when you obtain your permit, or plan your campsites to hike entirely through the former closure in a single day to avoid the affected sites altogether. The trail is not fully stock accessible at this time. Rehabilitation efforts in this section will continue.
  • The PNT will reroute to follow along the newly opened Olympic Discovery Trail Anderson Lake State Park extension, headed south  from Port Townsend.

New Food Storage Requirements

  • Throughout the Olympic National Park Section (Section 9 – 10), approved hard-sided animal-resistant food containers are now required in most wilderness areas of Olympic National Park, including along the PNT corridor. Plan to do the following:
    • Carry an approved hard-sided canister if you’re overnighting anywhere in Olympic National Park wilderness
    • Do not hang food as it is no longer considered compliant in most areas.

Closures

  • Mora Road Alternate will be closed until Oct. 5. due to road repairs. These roads bypass La Push and the boat crossing and rejoin the primary route at the Rialto Beach Trailhead. Mora Road will be closed to all summer travelers in 2026 however. The Wilderness Coast will remain open for hiking, and hikers can still cross the river by arranging a ride with a local fisherman.
  • Trailheads in the Harry Osborne State Forest will be closed from December 1st to February 28th due to Washington State budget cuts. This includes the Les Hilde Trailhead.
You must be logged in to post a comment.