Pacific Northwest Trail Voyage Tips and guide

The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a 1,200 mi (1,900 km) hiking trail in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It runs from the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, Montana, to the Pacific Ocean at Cape Alava in Olympic National Park, Washington state.

Designated as a National Scenic Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail is one of the most rugged and remote long-distance hikes in the United States. Unlike more developed trails like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, the PNT offers a greater challenge in terms of solitude, navigation, and logistics. It connects the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains, the Selkirks, the North Cascades, and the Olympic coastal wilderness. Thru-hiking the entire trail typically takes 2-3 months.

The PNT is exceptionally rugged and remote, requiring a high level of physical fitness and navigation skills. Permits are mandatory for backcountry camping in Glacier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks and should be arranged well in advance via the PNTA website. Hikers should be proficient with a map and compass, though a GPS and satellite messenger are strongly recommended for safety. In grizzly territory (Montana and Idaho), bear spray is essential.

There are no restaurants or shops on the trail itself. Hikers must carry all food and a camping stove. Success depends on a "mail-drop" resupply strategy, mailing 8–12 boxes of food to post offices, lodges, or trail angels in nearby towns. In the national parks, bear-resistant food canisters are required to protect your supplies and the wildlife.

You will rely on natural water sources throughout the Rocky Mountains, Selkirks, and Cascades. While water is generally available, all wild water must be purified. Carry enough capacity to bridge long, dry stretches between sources, especially in high-elevation or rain-shadow areas.

This is a wilderness trek where you must carry your own lightweight tent and sleep system. There is no electricity or established indoor lodging along the trail. Because night temperatures can dip near freezing even in summer, a sleeping bag and pad rated for cold weather are essential. Wild camping is generally permitted on National Forest land, but specific, pre-reserved campsites are often required within the national parks.

The trail is generally only passable from mid-summer to early autumn (July–September) due to heavy snowpack in the mountains. Expect unpredictable weather, including heavy rain and rapid temperature shifts. A versatile clothing system—including moisture-wicking layers, a fleece, an insulated jacket, and high-quality rain gear—is non-negotiable for safety.

The trail can be hiked eastbound (EB) or westbound (WB). Westbound is more common, allowing for snow in the Rockies to melt by the time most hikers start in late June or early July.

The eastern terminus is at the 48.933833-113.6100471 Chief Mountain International Border Crossing on the edge of Glacier National Park.

Fly into 48.310556-114.2561112 Glacier Park International Airport FCA ^IATA in Kalispell, Montana.

From Kalispell or Whitefish, you can take a shuttle service (book in advance) or try to hitchhike to the east side of 48.755-113.83MISSING WIKILINK Glacier National Park (e.g., St. Mary or Many Glacier). A final shuttle or ride is needed to get to the Chief Mountain trailhead.

The western terminus is on the Pacific coast in 47.7-123.754MISSING WIKILINK Olympic National Park.

Fly into 47.448889-122.3094445MISSING WIKILINK Seattle-Tacoma International Airport SEA ^IATA.

Take a series of public and private buses from Seattle to Port Angeles, then to Forks.

From Forks, arrange a shuttle to the 48.164256-124.7328136 Ozette Ranger Station , which provides access to the 48.166667-124.7366117 Cape Alava trailhead via a 3-mile boardwalk trail.

Map of Pacific Northwest Trail

This is a high-level overview of a westbound journey.

The first 280 miles cross Glacier National Park and the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests. This section is defined by dramatic peaks, high-alpine passes that can hold snow into July, and a healthy grizzly bear population.

The trail crosses into Idaho for 180 miles, traversing the remote Selkirk Mountains. Hikers will pass through dense forests and alongside beautiful lakes, including the stunning Priest Lake.

After crossing the Pend Oreille River into Washington, the trail covers 300 miles of drier, more rolling terrain through the Colville National Forest and the Pasayten Wilderness. This section can be very hot and dry in the summer.

Often called the "American Alps," this 160-mile section through North Cascades National Park is a highlight for many. It features jagged, glaciated peaks, intense climbs and descents, and breathtaking scenery. The PNT intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail in this section.

After descending from the Cascades, the trail involves some road-walking and a ferry ride across Puget Sound from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend. The final 280-mile stretch crosses the wild temperate rainforests of the Olympic Mountains and ends on the ruggedly beautiful Pacific coast.

Grizzly and black bears are present. Store food properly, make noise while you hike to avoid surprising a bear, and carry bear spray.

The PNT is not continuously marked. Some sections are on faint trails or require cross-country travel. Do not attempt without strong navigation skills.

Hypothermia is a real danger. Be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions at any time of year. In late summer, wildfires can be a major hazard, potentially forcing long detours or ending a hike. Always check for current trail conditions and closures.

Many rivers and streams are unbridged. These can be dangerous or impassable, especially in the early season during high snowmelt.

From the trail's intersection in the North Cascades, head south on the Pacific Crest Trail to Mexico or north to Canada.

After finishing at Cape Alava, spend more time exploring the diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park, from mountains to rainforests to the coast.

Take a ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, B.C., to explore Vancouver Island.

Explore the eastern terminus of the trail in more depth by spending a few days hiking and driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.