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 one of the country’s longest rail-trails 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 Rails to Trails Conservancy is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails that offer easy access to runners, hikers, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users, and equestrians. It serves as the national voice for more than 160,000 members and supporters, more than 23,000 miles of open rail-trails across the country, and more than 8,000 miles of potential trails waiting to be built—with a goal of ensuring a better future for America made possible by trails and the connections they inspire. Cascade Trail County: Skagit Endpoints: Dead end of Railroad Ave. (Concrete); Metcalf St. and Northern Ave. (Sedro-Woolley) Mileage: 22.9 Type: Rail-Trail Roughness Rating: 2 Surface: Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel Trail Use: Walking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Cross-country Skiing Northwest Washington’s Cascade Trail connects the small town of Concrete with the larger Sedro-Woolley. Despite running parallel to WA 20, the trail follows the Skagit River through idyllic farmland and wilderness on a former Great Northern Railroad route that feels refreshingly remote. Begin at the trail’s eastern terminus in Concrete, located adjacent to the town’s community center. There is ample accessible parking and a nearby historic district with restaurants and an ice-cream shop. As you undertake your nearly 23-mile journey, note that restrooms and water can be found near trailheads, but the so-called primitive multiuse trail is exactly that, with minimal wayfinding signage. While the scenery is stunning and views of Sauk Mountain and the Cascade Range are worth the trip, multiple barricades to prevent motorized vehicles from accessing the trail also make for tricky biking, requiring tight maneuvers through and around overgrown vegetation surrounding the barricades. The trail is known to flood, and sections are currently washed out, with makeshift bridges keeping it usable. One section near Baker Lake Road detours around a blockage, placing travelers onto the 12-inch-wide shoulder of a bridge on WA 20, adjacent to speeding traffic. With several creek crossings, the Cascade Trail boasts a total of 23 trestles and two bridges made from repurposed railcars. Keep an eye out for elk, bison, red-winged blackbirds, and herons along the route. At the western endpoint in Sedro-Woolley, you’ll find a brief section of paved trail close to shops and eateries where you can refill your water and get something to eat. Parking Parking areas are listed from east to west. Select parking areas for the trail are listed below; for a detailed list of parking areas and other waypoints, consult TrailLink™. *Indicates that at least one accessible parking space is available. Concrete*: Concrete Community Center, 45821 Railroad Ave. (48.5384, -121.7479). Concrete: Baker Lake Road, 150 feet north of N. Cascades Hwy./WA 20 (48.5326, -121.8868). Lyman: Lyman City Park, W. Main St. and Cunningham Ave. (48.5270, -122.0686). Sedro-Woolley: N. Cascades Hwy./WA 20, dead end of Helmick Road (48.5228, -122.1952). Sedro-Woolley*: Moore St./N. Cascades Hwy./WA 20 and Fruitdale Road (48.5155, -122.2110). Sedro-Woolley: Polte Road