See the complete online registry for details of over 1,000 designated National Recreation Trails

Featured National Recreation Trails - Hosted by AmericanTrails.org

Icicle Creek Nature Trail — This 1-mile interpretive nature trail winds along a beautiful historic channel located on the site of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. This unique handicapped accessible trail meanders through a spectacularly scenic meadow and leads to quiet areas with wildlife viewing blinds and views of salmon habitat. In addition to its scenic features, trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and cross country skiing. It is easy to see why this trail is considered one of the most popular walking trails in the entire Wenatchee Valley (designated 2005).

Oaks to Wetlands Trail — Located in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, this 6-mile nature trail offers a natural haven for residents of the nearby Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. A major highlight of the trail is the nationally recognized archaeological site of the village of Cathlapotle, part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Other trail features include wetlands, native flora, and a host of waterfowl. In addition to its natural and cultural resources, trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. This trail offers a place for area residents to keep in touch with their "wild" neighbors and appreciate the beauty of the type of natural areas that once were common along the lower Columbia River (designated 2005).

The Pacific Northwest Trail, Olympic National Park Segment is a 103-mile trail segment that is part of a continuous 1,200-mile trail route that links the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (NST) and Pacific Crest NST with the Pacific Ocean. This section of the trail is significant, because it serves as an east-west backbone to the predominantly north-south trail system within Olympic National Park. The trail takes users through a variety of significant ecosystems and provides stunning views as it travels through the Olympic, Cascade, and Selkirk mountain ranges. In addition to its many natural features, the trail also provides recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing (designated 2003).

John Wayne Pioneer Trail — This trail is 108 miles long and links the heavily populated Puget Sound region of western Washington over the Cascades to the more rural and agricultural lands of eastern Washington. This multi-use trail is an essential link in the emerging cross-state trail that will eventually connect Idaho to the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, visitors can enjoy a number of recreational opportunities including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The interesting railroad history, proximity to Seattle, high levels of use, and links to other trails, make this trail a well deserving candidate for designation (designated 2002).

North Cascades National Park/Ross Lake NRA Segment of the Pacific Northwest Trail — This 60-mile trail segment is part of a continuous 1,200-mile trail route that runs from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean. The trail path includes the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and the Wilderness Coast. In addition to its many scenic gems, the trail also provides recreation for people who enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation (designated 2002).

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

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