Pacific Northwest Trail Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

The Pacific Northwest Trail 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.

Designated as a National Scenic Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) 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.

Success on the PNT requires significant physical and mental preparation.

Permits are required for backcountry camping in the national parks (Glacier, North Cascades, and Olympic). These must be arranged in advance, and specific itineraries may be required. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA) website is the best resource for current permit information.

This is a strenuous trail with daily, significant elevation changes. A high level of fitness is essential. Train by hiking with a weighted pack on steep terrain.

Lightweight backpacking gear is crucial for tackling long distances and rugged terrain efficiently. Every item should be chosen with both weight and reliability in mind.

The core of your setup should include a durable and lightweight tent, backpack, and sleep system. Your sleeping bag and pad should be rated for temperatures that can dip near freezing, even during summer nights.

Clothing should be versatile and protective. A reliable rain jacket and rain pants are non-negotiable. A system of moisture-wicking layers, including a fleece and an insulated jacket, is essential for managing changing temperatures and staying comfortable in unpredictable weather.

Hikers must be proficient with a map and compass, as route-finding can be challenging in remote areas. While traditional navigation skills are essential, carrying a GPS device or a reliable smartphone app is strongly recommended as a backup. Cell service is often unavailable along large stretches of the trail, so an emergency communication device such as a satellite messenger is critical in case of accidents or urgent situations.

In terms of wildlife precautions, bear safety is a serious concern. In designated parts of the national parks, a bear-resistant food canister is required. When traveling through grizzly country, especially in Montana and Idaho, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is essential for your safety.

You will need to mail resupply boxes to yourself at post offices or other locations (like lodges or trail angel homes) in towns along the trail. A typical resupply strategy involves 8-12 boxes.

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) 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 48.755-113.83 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 47.7-123.754 Olympic National Park.

Fly into 47.448889-122.3094445 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

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.

Distance

280

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.

Distance

180

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.

Distance

300

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.

Distance

160

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.

Distance

280

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.

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

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

Weather: 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.

River Crossings: 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.