Plan Your Trip

Yours to Explore

1,200 miles (1,900 km) from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, this trail is yours to explore. This carefully chosen path is high for the views and long on adventure, ranking among the most scenic trails in the world.

The 1200 mile Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNNST) is a continuous, primarily non-motorized route of outstanding recreation opportunity. The trail is primarily used by hikers and equestrians, who enjoy it one day at a time, or as a complete end-to-end adventure.

The PNNST ranks among the most scenic, rugged and wild trails in the world. The trail crosses three National Parks, seven National Forests and seven mountain ranges.

Tips for a Great Trip

• New to the PNT? Start planning your trip with the basic information presented on this webpage
• You can also explore each of the trail’s ten sections, and get specific trip-planning and trail conditions info here
• Planning a thru-hike on the PNT? Read this great explainer, “How to Prepare” and our thru-hiker FAQs
• Choose a trip appropriate for your skill level or desire for adventure
• Recreate Responsibly on the PNT by learning the principles of Leave No Trace
• Learn more about the climate and weather along the Pacific Northwest Trail

Navigating the PNT

Today, the PNT offers an experience that may be more challenging and rugged than it will be a generation from now. Until then, making the effort to be fully prepared for an adventure on the PNT is key to having a safe and enjoyable trip.

FAQ

Search our knowledge base of common questions about the PNT. If you can not find an answer here, please can contact us or join the conversation on the PNT Hikers Facebook group.

Bears

Bear safety precautions will vary across the PNT and may be very different from other public lands you have visited before. Over 400 miles of the trail is in grizzly country and black bears are common along 94% of the trail. Learn how to avoid an encounter before you go.

Food Storage

The PNT travels through some of our wildest public lands. These special places are home to animals iconic of wilderness, and species found nowhere else. By following the regulations of our National Parks and National Forests, you can help keep wildlife wild and the backcountry safe on the PNT.

Directions and Transportation

Getting to and from the Pacific Northwest Trail is part of the adventure – America’s wildest National Scenic trail is located in some of the most remote mountain ranges of the Northwest and logistics are part of the challenge.

Trail Towns and Resupply

A visit to the undiscovered communities of the Northwest is a fun part of any trip on the PNT. From rugged mountain towns, to historic seaside cities, the diverse communities visited by the trail provide a peek into the lifestyles unique to the Northwest. 

Climate and Weather

The weather and climate across the trail corridor can vary greatly by geographic area, elevation, and season. The major mountain ranges of the PNT create rain shadows. This effect creates drier and warmer east sides, that can approach desert-like climates, and much cooler and wetter west sides that include rain forests.

Challenges and Risks

“Against the Grain” is the unofficial slogan of the PNT, with good reason. This rugged, 1,200 mile route climbs over seven mountain ranges and it presents some unique challenges along the way. For those uncomfortable with hazardous situations, there are many trails on the PNT that are accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Camping and Fees

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail travels through many different public and private lands. You can help to protect our natural resources, and the quality of the experience. Respect private property and learn the regulations of the area you are visiting.

Backcountry Permits

Backcountry permits are required for camping on the PNT in Glacier, North Cascades and Olympic National Park. Learn more.

Snow

Check current snow conditions on the PNT and learn how snow can affect your trip.

Trail Alerts and Conditions

Find critical up-to-date information about the PNT trail network in one convenient location or subscribe to plain text email alerts.