U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a key step Friday in completing a 1,200 mile trail from Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean.
Hikers already use what's called the "Pacific Northwest Trail," but it has gaps, and isn't fully built out.
Vilsack has named 23 advisers to help finalize the trail corridor, including Jon Knechtel with the Pacific Northwest Trail Association.
"It's kind of a unique trail. It's not a trail for beginners. You really need to be a pretty avid hiker," Knechtel said. "But you won't find a prettier trail, or more beautiful scenery, probably anywhere in the United States."
Knechtel says a few dozen people a year hike the full length of the trail - and have to find their own way across gaps. But he says some segments attract thousands of visitors, who spend money in local communities.
The trail advisory committee will start meeting later this year.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service
/The Pacific Northwest Trail stretches 1,200 miles from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, and cuts through three national parks.
