Pacific Northwest Trail

photo series
2012 – present

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is a relatively new addition to the US National Scenic Trails system. Spanning over 1200 miles, it connects the mountains of Glacier National Park in Montana to the coast of Olympic National Park in Washington.

Although typically valued for its natural beauty, the trail can also be understood as a product of considerable labor. It weaves through a landscape visibly shaped by thousands of years of human history, activity, use, and intervention.

This project received initial support through a grant from Western Oregon University. The photos are meant to document the trail’s appearance in its early years, and its gradual evolution over time. New images are created/added periodically and indefinitely.

Photos from this series are featured on the cover of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan published by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service.