#Pacific northwest national parks how to#
#Pacific northwest national parks series#

The eastern terminus of the trail sits at Chief Mountain Border Crossing, from which the trail winds through Glacier National Park for 55 miles. We have outlined them, what they entail, and the features of each section. The Pacific Northwest Trail is separated into 10 segments, numbered and spanning from east to west. Simply for the fact it is so remote and travels through some of the least-used land in the country, it offers an experience that few people get, and no other trail offers. The Pacific Northwest Trail is one of the most remote in the Lower 48, and is by no means a beginner trail. The route crosses through rainforests, offers beach camping, and follows the Boundary Trail for much of its length. On the 1,200-mile route, hikers access ranges of the Continental Divide, Whitefish Divide, Purcells, Selkirks, Kettles, Cascades, and Olympic mountains. One of the draws of the trail is that it cuts diagonally across numerous mountain ranges. It spans from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide. The Pacific Northwest Trail gained National Scenic Trail designation in 2009. Hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail Pacific Northwest Trail Chief Mountain Terminus. Please note that all shuttle trips must be booked in advance. Olympic Hiking Company can also arrange custom shuttle trips throughout Olympic National Park. The shuttle operator is usually able to accommodate quick drop-off requests for PNT hikers at bus stops along the route at Neah Bay, Clallam Bay, or in the trail town of Forks so that they can use public transit to reach Seattle and other destinations. Here is a schedule of the shuttle’s route between Oil City and Neah Bay. Private Shuttle to the Pacific Northwest Trail Western TerminusĪ private shuttle operated by the Olympic Hiking Company can now be used to travel between Ozette and the nearest transit stations on the Olympic Peninsula. This can be pieced together with the Jefferson Transit and Clallam Transit schedules.

#Pacific northwest national parks series#

Hitchhiking is illegal in national parks and Uber or Lyft might not be available as you get more remote.įrom Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, hikers can get to Forks, Clallam Bay, or Neah Bay via a series of buses and a ferry. Hikers taking public transportation from Seattle will also need to book a shuttle or find another ride from the nearest bus stop, between 30-50 miles from Ozette / Cape Alava. Public transportation is available between Seattle and major trail towns on the Olympic Peninsula, but it is not possible to reach Ozette by public transit. Public Transit to the Pacific Northwest Trail Western Terminus You can reach Ozette Lake (and then hike the 3 miles to Cape Alava) most easily by getting a ride to the area. There are also private shuttles back to Ozette if you are section hiking Section 10, and it is possible to leave a vehicle here. Personal Transportation to the Pacific Northwest Trail Western Terminus Cape Alava is a 3-mile hike from the park’s Ozette ranger station. Like the eastern terminus, this is quite remote, but there are a few more options to get close to this point. The western terminus is in Olympic National Park at Cape Alava. Mary Visitor Center for Glacier National Park backcountry permits.

Smaller airports and stations exist in the smaller cities within a few hours of East Glacier, and we would recommend planning the trip that gets you to East Glacier and/or the St. The eastern terminus of the PNT is located at Chief Mountain Customs off the Chief Mountain Highway right at the northeast corner of Glacier National Park in Montana.Ĭlosest Major City: East Glacier, Montana (67 miles)įrom the East Glacier Amtrak station, arranging a private taxi or setting up a ride is the best option for getting to the terminus. I had a ride to the western terminus, but here is a collection of info on reaching either end if you don’t have a ride.

This is one of the most challenging trails to access on either end.

#Pacific northwest national parks how to#

How to Get to the Pacific Northwest Trail Pacific Northwest Trail in Glacier National Park.