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Pacific NW Trail wilderness guide
National Scenic Trail · WA, ID, MT

Pacific NW Trail

The Pacific NW Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that spans over 1,200 miles across three states, offering an array of outdoor adventures through diverse terrains.

National Scenic TrailVaries by section; spans multiple protected areas4+ Trails

Designation

National Scenic Trail

Total Wilderness Area

Varies by section; spans multiple protected areas

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Pacific NW Trail

The Pacific NW Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that spans over 1,200 miles across three states, offering an array of outdoor adventures through diverse terrains.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) stretches over 1,200 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Washington, through the rugged mountains of Montana, ending at the Continental Divide. Encompassing a diverse array of ecosystems, including coastal rainforests, arid plains, and alpine environments, the trail offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. Originally conceived in the 1970s, it was designated a National Scenic Trail in 2009. Adventurers can experience multiple national parks, including Olympic National Park and Glacier National Park, as well as numerous wilderness areas and national forests along the route. Key attractions range from the wild coastlines of the Olympic Peninsula to the historic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. With options for long thru-hikes or shorter sections for day trekking, the PNT is a captivating destination for both seasoned hikers and casual explorers looking to witness the pristine beauty and ecological diversity of this region.

Field Guide · National Scenic Trail
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Pacific NW Trail

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Ski at 49° North Mountain Resort★ 7.5⌖ 29 miSkiing
Flowery Trail Road

Ski at 49° North Mountain Resort

Ski and snowboard at 49° North in Colville National Forest near Chewelah, WA. Suitable for all levels with varied terrain over 2,000 acres. Family-friendly with moderate crowds, best visited in winter. Drive-in access, but not wheelchair accessible.

Nature's Oasis: Kaniksu National Forest★ 7.8⌖ 32 miHiking
Kaniksu National Forest

Nature's Oasis: Kaniksu National Forest

Explore Kaniksu National Forest near Clark Fork, ID. Ideal for hiking with a range of trails offering stunning views. Ideal seasons are late spring to early fall. Great for spotting wildlife like deer, elk, and black bears. Enjoy fishing Lake Pend Oreille or camping at Priest Lake State Park.

Snowshoe at Mount Spokane State Park★ 7.8⌖ 40 miSnowshoeing
Spokane

Snowshoe at Mount Spokane State Park

Explore over 20 miles of snowshoeing trails at Mount Spokane State Park near Spokane, Washington. This easy to moderate winter activity lets you enjoy breathtaking views while winding through picturesque snowy landscapes. Ideal for families and beginners from January to March.

SnowshoeingView Details→
Ski at Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park in Spokane★ 7.8⌖ 40 miSkiing
29500-28595 N Mt Spokane Park Dr

Ski at Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park in Spokane

Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park offers diverse slopes for all skill levels, just 30 minutes from Spokane. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding with stunning views. Perfect for families and evening skiers, it's busiest on weekends.

Camp at Mount Spokane State Park in Spokane★ 7.8⌖ 41 miCamping
North Summit Road

Camp at Mount Spokane State Park in Spokane

Explore Mount Spokane State Park near Spokane, Washington, for camping and hiking. Access by car; enjoy panoramic views and diverse wildlife. Best from late spring to early fall. Moderate crowd levels.

Majestic Moyie River Overlook★ 7.5⌖ 41 miHiking
Moyie River Overlook

Majestic Moyie River Overlook

Explore the Moyie River Overlook near Moyie Springs, Idaho. Offering dramatic river views, this spot is perfect for hiking and kayaking. Best visited in spring or summer.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Cape Alava - the westernmost point of the contiguous United States.✦ Kootenai National Forest - home to diverse wildlife including grizzly bears and moose.✦ Pend Oreille River - offers picturesque waterway views and angling opportunities.✦ Pasayten Wilderness - known for its remote beauty and solitude.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Pacific NW Trail

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Pacific NW Trail
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Pacific NW Trail
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Pacific NW Trail
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Pacific NW Trail
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Pacific NW Trail
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Pacific NW Trail.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Trail access is generally free; permits may be required in certain protected areas.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Pacific NW Trail

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Deception Pass Campground

Located at the trail's western terminus, offering excellent amenities and scenic water views.

Colonial Creek Campground

Positioned in the North Cascades along the trail, providing a convenient base for exploration.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Pacific NW Trail

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Priest Lake
⌖ 5.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Priest Lake, Idaho

A rugged wilderness haven offering pristine freshwater, dense forests, and alpine landscapes that draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Summer and Early FallExplore Town
Coolin
⌖ 7.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coolin, Idaho

A serene gateway town on the northern edge of Priest Lake, offering pristine wilderness adventures with a peaceful, off-the-grid spirit.

Late Spring through Early Fall, and Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Oldtown
⌖ 22.04 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oldtown, Idaho

A quiet small town offering easy access to diverse river and forest adventures near the Idaho-Washington border.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Priest River
⌖ 22.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Priest River, Idaho

A quiet gateway town offering easy access to diverse outdoor adventures in northern Idaho’s rugged forests, rivers, and mountains.

Late Spring through Early Fall for most activities; Winter for snowmobiling.Explore Town
Ponderay
⌖ 25.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ponderay, Idaho

An inviting gateway to the vast northern Idaho wilderness, offering lakeside serenity paired with rugged outdoor pursuits.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for Nordic skiingExplore Town
Kootenai
⌖ 25.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kootenai, Idaho

A small town offering close access to diverse outdoor adventures with a quiet, rural atmosphere near Idaho’s scenic Lake Coeur d’Alene region.

Late spring through early fallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Pacific NW Trail

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.