USFS releases Pacific Northwest Trail management plan

Good article . . .

From the Chief Mountain port of entry on the Montana-Canada border, a dedicated hiker can follow a series of backcountry trails, bike paths, old rail beds, paved roads, bushwhacks, and cow paths, all the way to the beach of Cape Alava, Wash., the westernmost point in the continental United States.

This stitched-together route connecting Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park, known as the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), stretches 1,200 miles, “from the Rockies to the sea,” crossing seven National Forests, six wilderness areas, and three national parks, as well as tribal, municipal, and private lands in Montana, Idaho and Washington.

In December, the U.S. Forest Service released the final version of the PNT comprehensive plan, a document which outlines a vision for the non-motorized trail and provides guideposts for management, conservation and use into the future. The trail has only existed in its official capacity for 15 years, and like other early national scenic trails “much more work is needed to complete the optimal route from end to end,” the plan states.

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Forest Service releases plan for Pacific Northwest Trail

T26-T3-PNT Intersection Sign, July 11, 2020 - W. K. Walker

T26-T3-PNT Intersection Sign, July 11, 2020 – W. K. Walker

This was a long time coming . . .

The U.S. Forest Service has released a comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, marking a milestone for a route established in 2009 but used by hikers for decades prior. The Forest Service, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released the document mid-December, outlining a vision for the trail and providing management, protection and use guidance.

“It’s been quite an effort to get to this point,” said Jeff Kish, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association.

The trail has existed in some capacity and seen use by hikers since the 1970s, Kish said. It was officially designated by Congress as part of the National Trails System in 2009, providing opportunities for hiking and backpacking across the Northwest United States, including through Lincoln County. The comprehensive plan is the latest step in a years-long process and fulfills requirements mandated by federal legislation.

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Grizzly Inn repairs are complete!

Grizzly Inn repair, new roof almost finished, Sep 19-20, 2023 - photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Grizzly Inn repair, new roof almost finished, Sep 19-20, 2023 – photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Apologies for not posting this right away, but the Grizzly Inn now has a long-overdue new roof. Many thanks to the Forest Service personnel who, working in less than ideal conditions at a very remote location, put a lot of effort into a project that spread across three days and at least one overnight stay.

See our earlier post for more detail on this effort and its historical significance.

Flathead Trails Association rolls out illustrated map

The Flathead Trails Association (FTA) has just introduced an illustrated map of the valley. On the back, are descriptions of the member organizations Including our own!) with QR codes linking to their web sites . . .

For an outdoor enthusiast in northwest Montana, opting for a trail-based adventure brings myriad options for choosing a map to help plan your outing…

…Now, however, there’s a comprehensive guide to the Flathead Valley’s recreational opportunities, a long-time-coming initiative by the Flathead Trails Association (FTA) that locals and visitors alike can use to plan, discover and learn about the outdoor scene in our own backyard.

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Grizzly Inn repairs almost complete

Roofing work on the Grizzly Inn is almost finished thanks to the efforts of a US Forest Service repair crew led by Ryan Powell, Heritage Program Manager for the Flathead National Forest.

Originally called the “Nasukoin Cabin,” the Grizzly Inn got its current name back in the 60’s when Chuck Jonkel spent a lot of time there doing his early, foundational grizzly bear research. It has been around for better than 80 years and likely much longer ago than that — Ralph Thayer inscribed his name on the north wall on April 22, 1942. Until recently, the Grizzly Inn was maintained by “traveler’s code.” Folks who used it made repairs.

On September 19-20, the Forest Service started a badly needed update to the roof, which had been badly damaged  by (of course!) a bear a few years ago. They ran out of time on the first visit, but should have the remaining work wrapped up within the next few days. Here are a few photos from that effort . . .

Grizzly Inn hike, including Forest Service repair crew, September 19, 2023 - W. K. Walker

Grizzly Inn hike, including Forest Service repair crew, September 19, 2023. From left to right: Josh Heflin (USFS), Cole Osbrink (USFS), Randy Kenyon & Numa (NF Trails), Polly Preston (NF Trails) and Ryan Powell (USFS). – W. K. Walker

Grizzly Inn repair, old roof removed, Sep 19-20, 2023 - Photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Grizzly Inn repair, old roof removed, Sep 19-20, 2023 – Photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Grizzly Inn repair, new roof almost finished, Sep 19-20, 2023 - photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Grizzly Inn repair, new roof almost finished, Sep 19-20, 2023 – photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

 

 

Glacier View & Hungry Horse trail condition reports for September 29 posted

T26-Red Meadow Trailhead Signage Replacement, July 14, 2021 - W K Walker

T26-Red Meadow Trailhead Signage Replacement, July 14, 2021 – W K Walker

The September 29, 2023 Forest Service Trail Condition Reports for the Glacier View and Hungry Horse Ranger Districts have been posted to the website Trail Conditions page.

These reports contain a fair amount of useful information. Besides trail conditions, they include trail numbers, their official names and end-to-end mileages. The reports may also list information on trail and area closures, especially during fire season.

The current fire danger is MODERATE.