There was a time when trails were built strictly
to get people from where they were standing, to somewhere else. These trails often
went straight uphill because a straight line is the shortest route between two
points. Unfortunately, these trails sometimes made better routes for water rushing
downhill than for hikers trying to reach the top of a ridge.
Now trails are built to get different types of users into the most beautiful and
unique areas possible, while protecting the resources. It's the journey as much
as the destination that counts.
Trails are built to different standards, based on who they are open to. Trails
within the wilderness are designed for hikers and horses. Trails outside these
areas can include a broad spectrum of users. Mountain bikes and motorcycles are
allowed on a number of trails. Several wider trails have been built to accommodate
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
The following symbols are used throughout this guide to let you know which trails
are open to what type of use:
|
| Northwest Forest Pass |
| |
|
 |
Many trailheads are now require a Northwest
Forest Pass. These trails are identified with this symbol. A permit
is required to park near designated trailheads. The Northwest Forest Pass is a
per vehicle pass, good for one day ($5) or one year ($30). these can be purchased
at Forest Service offices or local vendors. |
| Trail Uses |
 |
Hikers Permitted on Trail |
 |
Horses Permitted on Trail |
 |
Bicycles Permitted on Trail |
 |
Motorcycles Permitted on Trail |
 |
All Terrain Vehicles Permitted on Trail |
 |
Trail within Wilderness (Hiker/Horse Only) |
 |
Barrier Free Trail |
|
| Facilities |
 |
Parking |
 |
Restrooms |
 |
Information Station |
 |
Interpretive Traill |
 |
Water |
 |
Picnic Area |
 |
Camping |
|
| Trail Difficulty Ratings |
 |
Requires limited skill and has little physical
challenge. Tread is smooth, level, and wide with generous clearing of trees, limbs,
and other vegetation above and to each side of the trail to permit easy passage.
Elevation gain or loss is minimal. Streams are most often crossed with bridges. |
 |
Requires a moderate skill level and provides a moderate
physical challenge. Tread surface contains roots and embedded rocks. Clearing
of trees, limbs, and other vegetation above and to each side of the trail results
in occasional contact by the users. Elevation gain or loss is moderate. Streams
are most often crossed by fords. |
 |
Requires a high degree of skill and provides a lot of physical
challenge. Tread is seldom graded except on steep side slopes for safety and prevention
of soil erosion. Minimal clearing of trees, limbs, and other vegetation results
in hampering the progress of the user. Elevation gain or loss is usually severe.
Streams are crossed by fording and are sometimes difficult. |
| Use Volume (Encounters/Day) |
| Volume |
Non-wilderness |
Wilderness |
| Light |
0-5 |
0-3 |
| Medium |
6-15 |
4-9 |
| Heavy |
16-50 |
10-18 |
| X Heavy |
50+ |
18+ |
Some trails may receive heavier use on weekends and holidays.
For current Information on use, check with your local ranger districts.
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