The month of June has brought record highs to the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.  Lower than average snow and rain throughout the winter and spring have led to drought-like conditions along the trail corridor. Compounded with dry weather and hot temperatures, many public land management agencies are announcing burn bans.   

Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest and Washington State Department of Natural Resources have announced burn bans and restrictions on pit fires.  "With the driest May and June on record and staff already committed to suppression of the Paradise Fire, we are enacting this fire restriction to conserve our firefighting resources and to help prevent additional fires," said Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent of the Olympic National Park, in a recent press release.  Camp stoves may still be used and pit fires are allowed only in established-front country campgrounds as permitted by the management agency. With a holiday weekend around the corner, trail users are urged to contact local Federal and State offices or websites for current fire danger ratings, or fire and firework restrictions that may be in place.

Along with fire and drought conditions, trail users are urged to hike smart during hot summer months.  How can you stay safe and be prepared when enjoying the Pacific Northwest Trail?

• Choose the right hike.  Visit higher elevations or locations with waterways and plenty of shade.  Save tougher hikes for cooler days.  
• Enjoy the trail in the early morning hours when temperatures are coolest.
• Bring sunscreen.  Exposed skin can burn quickly and hasten dehydration.
• Wear the proper clothing.  Lightweight, loose fitting clothing and a lightweight hat can go a long way to keeping body temperatures down.
• Bring plenty of water.  For heavy exercise in hot environments, you should drink 16-32 ounces of cool liquids each hour. 
• Stay hydrated, but also take in electrolytes.  Electrolytes are lost quickly in sweat, but salty snacks or sports drinks can keep levels up.
• Prevent heat exhaustion by looking for shade and taking breaks.
• Most of all, pay attention to your body!

Sunset along the North Fork Road between Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest in Montana. Photo Credit: Stephanie Campbell

In Montana and Idaho, our Eastern Regional Coordinator Stephanie is busy becoming acquainted with the towns along the trail and surrounding area by visiting these quaint communities and speaking with knowledgeable locals.  She is also meeting with land managers and natural resource advocates including federal agency partners on the national park and forests, local and state government representatives, and nonprofit partners to establish PNTA's presence on-the-ground along the east end.  She is also spending time with those who care for the trail in-the-field including volunteer organizations and paid trail crews.  Those who have spent their lives and careers caring and advocating for these incredible natural resources have been kind and generous in assisting her as she climbs the steep learning curve in learning the extensive history of her region.  Please feel free to reach out to her regarding questions, concerns, and comments as they pertain to PNTA's involvement in Montana and Idaho.

A recent blog post by REI names the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail as "arguably the most breathtaking thru-hike in the country."  Linking three of the wildest National Parks in the U.S. and passing through seven National Forests; the Pacific Northwest Trail begins in Glacier National Park and ends along the stunning beaches of the Olympic Peninsula.  1,200 miles of raw beauty, glaciated peaks, foggy valleys, countless waterfalls, alpine flowers, and old growth stands mesmerize trail users.  While many call it a thru-hiking trail, the grandeur of PNT can be experienced in many ways - by thru-hiking, section hiking, day hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding.

Here at the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, we make it our mission to actively work towards the continual protection and preservation of the PNT for generations to come. We ask for your support as we work towards that mission.  Membership dues of as little as $30 a year go a long way towards supporting and protecting the trail.  Donations of all amounts are important and no gift is too small.  For those able to donate time or talent, we have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities both in the field and in the office.

The Pacific Northwest Trail is more than just a trail.  It is a chance for people to get out into a rare landscape, wild yet familiar; it is an opportunity to form bonds, create memories and build better stories; it is an experience.  

Please help us protect this experience by giving today. 

 Happy adventuring, 

Jon Knechtel

Director of Trail Management