National Scenic, Historic, and Recreation Trails

The National Trails System is the network of scenic, historic, and recreation trails created by the National Trails System Act of 1968. These trails provide for outdoor recreation needs, promote the enjoyment, appreciation, and preservation of open-air, outdoor areas and historic resources, and encourage public access and citizen involvement.

National Scenic Trails

National scenic trails are 100 miles or longer, continuous, primarily non-motorized routes of outstanding recreation opportunity. Such trails are established by Act of Congress. The Forest Service manages 2 National Scenic Trails with significant segments in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

Pacific Crest Trail marker. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) spans California desert valleys to Northwestern rain forests, exposing hikers and equestrians to a wide variety of climate and terrain. It crosses California, Oregon, and Washington, starting at the Mexican and ending at the Canadian border.

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNNST)extends from the northern Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The PNNST is intended to be a primitive, long distance trail that offers a variety of back-country scenery and outdoor adventure.

National Historic Trails

National historic trails commemorate historic (and prehistoric) routes of travel that are of significance to the entire Nation. They must meet all three criteria listed in Section 5(b)(11) of the National Trails System Act. Such trails are established by Act of Congress. The Forest Service administers one National Historic Trail with significant segments in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Nez Perce (Nee Me Poo) National Historic Trail

The Nez Perce National Historic Trail commemorates the flight of the Nez Perce Indians from their homeland in the Pacific Northwest to Canada to escape capture by the U.S. military. Using an indirect escape route as dictated by terrain and strategy, the Nez Perce passed through four states and traveled from Wallowa Lake, Oregon, to the Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Montana.

National Recreation Trails in the Pacific Northwest

National Recreation Trails may be designated by the Secretary of Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance in response to an application from the trail's managing agency or organization. Through designation, these trails are recognized as part of America's national system of trails.

There are 66 trails totaling over 845 miles in the Pacific Northwest designated as National Recreation Trails!