Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest

Explore 65 of the best rail-trails and other multiuse pathways in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted into public multiuse trails. Level and accessible, these paths are ideal for a brisk fitness walk, bike ride, or stroll with the family. In Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these routes, as well as other multiuse pathways, in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Many rail-trails are paved and run within view of the most scenic parts of town. Others offer rugged scenery on ungroomed, mostly dirt, and somewhat wild paths.

In Idaho, coast along the Route of the Hiawatha, a 15-mile scenic trail through the Bitterroot Mountains, featuring tunnels and trestles. Meander through lush forest and across 13 bridges on Oregon’s Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Find the country’s longest rail-trail in Washington: the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, spanning more than 200 miles (and growing). Whether you’re on feet or wheels, you’ll love the variety in this collection of multiuse trails that cover many hundreds of miles across three beautiful states!

“You can now throw away all your self-help books on fighting depression, losing weight, toning muscles, finding something to do with your kids, and learning American history. Just use this guide, find a great trail—and enjoy!”
—Peter Harnik, Director, Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land

Inside you’ll find:

• Informative descriptions written by rail-trail experts
• Detailed maps for every featured trail
• GPS coordinates of parking waypoints
• Icons indicating the activities that each trail accommodates
• Information you can rely on from the official guide to rail-trails