Blog Posts of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association

Help Protect the PNT from Wildfire

The Northwest is experiencing near record drought this summer and the risk of fire is very high in many areas along the Pacific Northwest Trail. Yet, with a few basic precautions, elevated fire danger does not have to lead to a wildfire.  During fire season, the Association would like to remind our trail community to…
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Updated Signage in Deception Pass State Park

The Pacific Northwest Trail is now a little easier to enjoy in Deception Pass State Park. This May, several PNTA board members from Washington State traveled to Deception Pass State Park to meet with association staff and hike through the park together, installing new thunderbird markers along the trail’s north/south route on Fidalgo and Whidbey…
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Mt Zion Trail

2021 Season Outlook

With a route that traverses some of the snowiest mountain ranges in the lower ‘48, seasonality is one of the defining characteristics of the Pacific Northwest Trail. Full access to the trail corridor is only possible between July and September, which makes for a short and exciting season for hikers and trail builders alike. When…
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Welcome to Olympic National Park by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Pacific Northwest Trail Backcountry Permits in 2021

Between the Crown of the Continent in the Rocky Mountains and the Wilderness Coast, the Pacific Northwest Trail traverses three amazing national parks. It also crosses seven national forests and many other public lands, including state, county and municipal parks.  Camping regulations will vary in each of these places. You can help protect the PNT…
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Port Townsend

Guidance for Visiting the PNT in the 2021 Season

For over forty years, our trail community has helped the PNTA to create and maintain the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, a world-class pathway that provides much needed opportunities for ALL to get outdoors and explore the scenic public lands across the Northwest. This year, we ask every PNT visitor to #RecreateResponsibly and take extra…
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A PNTA Trail Crew hikes to a worksite on the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie NF in 2019.

Five Projects That Made the PNT Even Better in 2020

As one of America’s youngest National Scenic Trails, the Pacific Northwest Trail is loved for being a little rough around the edges. Compared to the longer-established “triple crown” trails many decades its senior, the AT, PCT and CDT seem polished to natural perfection. Although many of today’s visitors find charm and adventure in the Pacific…
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Park Butte

Partnerships Restore the PNT at Park Butte

Above: Mt Baker and the Park Butte Lookout. Photo by Andy Porter.    Have you visited Park Butte?  Many different adventures begin on this special part of the Pacific Northwest Trail. With its gentle grade and spectacular views, it’s no wonder that it’s among the most cherished destinations on the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The…
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Meet Our 2020 Crew Leaders

Get to know the dedicated trail crew leaders who lead PNTA Performance Trail Crews.  During our short summer season, our crew leaders mentor and train youth and young adults who serve on our trail crews, guiding them on long backcountry hitches in spectacular wild places while working on the 1,200 mile Pacific Northwest National Scenic…
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Our Field Season Begins

Before summer officially begins and visitors return to the remote reaches of the Pacific Northwest Trail, PNTA staff come together for our annual crew leader training event, an important preseason milestone for the Association. The annual week-long training event was done a little differently this year. Over the past months, PNTA staff have devoted considerable…
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Guidance for Visiting the PNT in the 2020 Season

For over forty years, our trail community has helped the PNTA to create and maintain the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, a world-class pathway that provides much needed opportunities for ALL to get outdoors and explore the scenic public lands across the Northwest. This year, traveling outside of our hometowns to enjoy the trail involves…
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The PNT in Montana

US Forest Service Accepting Applications for the PNNST Advisory Council

Since the very beginning, local stakeholders have had a seat at the table in the development of the Pacific Northwest Trail. The US Forest Service and Pacific Northwest Trail Association are seeking volunteers to help shape the future of the trail by serving on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council. Applications will be…
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COVID-19 Updates and the PNTA

As is the case around much of the world, confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Washington, Idaho and Montana—including some PNT trailside communities. The president has declared a national emergency and has joined many local officials in recommending that all non-essential gatherings of ten or more people be postponed to help slow the…
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