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Throughout the '80s and '90s, the trail gained in popularity. They used the information collected on their journey to develop the first full-length guidebook for the PNT, which was published in 1984. ĭespite the report's determination, in 1983, Ron Strickland would hike the entire length of the PNT alongside the PNTA's first cartographer, Ted Hitzroth. In arriving at this recommendation, the study found that little new recreation opportunity would be provided if a trail were constructed since extensive trail systems already exist throughout most of the study area that the cost of land acquisition and construction would be excessive (from $64 million to $106 million based on a width averaging 1,000 feet and from $39 million to $60 million for a width averaging 500 feet) in comparison with the benefits which would result and that there would be significant adverse environmental impacts on the grizzly bear and on fragile and frequently over-utilized high elevation areas. From the route ideas suggested, four alternatives were identified for analysis: (1) the most scenic route, (2) the least costly route, (3) the route having the minimum environmental impact, and (4) no trail.īased on an evaluation of the four alternatives, the study determined that a Pacific Northwest Trail would have the scenic and recreational qualities needed for designation as a National Scenic Trail, but concluded that its construction was neither feasible nor desirable and recommended the "no trail" alternative. Ideas were obtained from various individuals, groups, and agencies concerning possible locations for the trail, since no specific route was defined in the legislation authorizing the study. The study, initiated in 1978, was conducted jointly by the National Park Service and U. In 1977, Congress authorized a study to determine the feasibility and desirability of constructing a Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail extending between the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park and the Pacific Ocean beach of Olympic National Park and designating it a unit of the National Trails System. The guide consisted of two pages that described the route, and came unaccompanied by maps. Also in 1979, the first short guide for the PNT was published by Signpost Magazine, which would later become the Washington Trails Association. Two of those hikers would later appear on the cover of Backpacker Magazine, in a 1979 issue that introduced the Pacific Northwest Trail to an international audience. That same year, the first five successful thru-hikes of the Pacific Northwest Trail were completed. In 1977, Strickland founded the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA), an organization responsible for education and information, maintenance, and advocacy for the PNT. In that time, the Pacific Northwest Trail was cobbled together using preexisting trails and Forest Service roads. Between 19, extensive fieldwork was performed by Strickland and others, including early supporters along the PNT corridor who lent extensive knowledge of local trail systems to the effort. The route was first conceived by Ron Strickland in 1970. The Boundary Trail section of the PNT in Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness
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It was designated as the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail by Congress in 2009. It travels against the grain of several mountain ranges, including the Continental Divide, Whitefish Divide, Purcells, Selkirks, Kettles, Cascades, and Olympics. Along the way, the PNT crosses three national parks, seven national forests, and two other national scenic trails. The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a 1200-mile hiking trail running from the Continental Divide in Montana to the Pacific Ocean on Washington's Olympic Coast. Year-round at lower elevations, summer and fall at higher elevations Montana / Idaho / Washington, United StatesĢ05,211 ft.