Lost Trail: Boundary Trail

The iconic 80-mile Boundary Trail spans almost the entire length of the Pasayten Wilderness and is part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.

The extensive Boundary Trail spans almost the entire length of the vast and remote Pasayten Wilderness—offering miles of expansive views, a peek at Washington's arctic tundra and unbeatable opportunities for solitude. It serves as a crucial 80-mile link in the Pacific Northwest Trail, connecting the Rocky Mountains of Montana to the sandy shores of Washington's Coast.

While this trail should be in prime condition, decreases in funding along with catastrophic wildfires have left segments of the Boundary Trail nearly impossible to navigate by hikers and other trail users. Fallen trees have littered the trail—200 or more in some sections—while erosion and brush have made areas of the trail all but disappear and have stopped horse packers in their tracks.

With your help, we're working to restore the Boundary Trail to its former glory. Through our advocacy efforts in Congress and our boots-on-the-ground trail maintenance we can put this trail back on the map.

Stories from the Field

Teaming Up with Northwest Youth Corps Up in the Pasayten

Jul 23, 2018

Thanks to WTA supporters and new partnerships, a Lost Trails Youth Corps crew will spend five weeks fixing hard-to-reach sections of trail in the Pasayten Wilderness.

Coming Together for a Long, Lost Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness

Apr 05, 2018

WTA launched our Lost Trails Found campaign with the intent of bringing more awareness to the need for funding and restoration of our backcountry trail system. To help achieve our goal of restoring the Boundary Trail, WTA has joined forces with several fellow trail groups.

Trail Maintenance Help Coming to the Methow

Feb 26, 2018

The Methow Valley Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest selected by USDA as one of 15 priority areas to help address the $314 million trail maintenance backlog on forests.

Pacific Northwest Trail and the Recreation Economy

Forty years ago, the Pacific Northwest Trail was created. Today, the trail helps support dozens of gateway communities, and brings together hikers from across the country. A section of this historic trail is at risk of becoming lost, threatening the local economies that it supports | by Rachel Wendling

Saving Lost Trails: 3 Areas Where WTA Will Focus in 2017

Mar 07, 2017

The hiking community has an opportunity this year to save three iconic places that represent the variety of challenges trails are facing across the state.