A bill has been introduced that would give the Pacific Northwest Trail the National Scenic Trail status. As of May 5, it is in the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. From photos and various trip reports, it seems the PNT certainly deserves this designation. This status would provide much needed funds to maintain the trail, and it would much promote its popularity. However, it seems that one of the allures of the trail is the fact that there often is no official or no trail at all. With official designation, it might lose some of its wild and adventurous spirit. Also, sections of the trail could become much more crowded. Overall though, I think if the PNT does become a National Scenic Trail it would be a great thing. It would be a great reward for all the hard work volunteers have to done to create this outstanding trail.
