Courier November Courier | Page 17

Bureau of Land Management land, fed- erally designated wilderness land, state and county parks, and tribal lands. The trail traverses some of the most iconic terrain that the West has to offer, from the highest vistas to the most splendid valleys. Accessing the Pacific Crest Trail in California, Oregon or Washington is typically quite easy, and there are many resources available to help with trip planning. Prior to making the journey, trail users should do research to deter- mine what activities are allowed and whether permits are needed. pcta.org/ discover-the-trail Hellcat Interpretive Trail This national recreation trail is located within the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Massachusetts. Largely consisting of boardwalks, the trail meanders 1.4 miles through freshwater marsh, shrub, vernal pools, dune and maritime woodland habitats, and it fea- tures 15 interpretive panels to educate visitors about the different ecosystems. fws.gov/refuge/parker_river Middle Fork of the Salmon River One of the original eight rivers designated in 1968, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River flows through Idaho’s remote Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. At this wild river site, visi- tors can enjoy quiet isolation, crystal clear water, wilderness hiking, natural hot springs and the challenge of its Class III and IV-plus whitewater. Trips can be booked through commercial out- fitters, or private boaters can apply for permits through an annual lottery. bit.ly/2xE4p3H Nez Perce Trail The Nez Perce (Nimíipuu or Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail stretches more than 1,100 miles from Wallowa Lake, Oregon, to the Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Montana. The 1877 flight of the Nez Perce from their homelands—they were being pursued by the U.S. Army—is an incredibly sorrowful and fascinating event. Congress recognized that history by adding the path of the Nez Perce people to the National Trails System as a national historic trail in 1986. www.fs.usda.gov/npnht Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana River Styx The only underground protected river, the scenic River Styx winds through Oregon Caves National Monument. To see the River Styx, visitors must take a 90-minute Discovery Cave Tour led by rangers along a boardwalk through the cave system. Stalactites, stalagmites and other unique rock for- mations compose this river’s spectacular geology. nps.gov/orca/planyourvisit Clarion River This Pennsylvania river is a success story in renewal. Trout and smallmouth bass now flourish in water once tainted by waste from tanneries and by acid drainage from mines. Most of the Clarion River is designated as rec- reational, and numerous access points make it easy for paddlers, inner tube floaters and fishermen to enjoy its sinu- ous, yet placid, waters. bit.ly/2hxmJCo Rivers, trails and tourism The tourism industry plays a critical role in public lands protection by introduc- ing people to the outdoors. Historically and today, many people would not experience the outdoors without guided trips—everything from horse packers and guided hikes to river outfitters lead- ing day and overnight trips. Outfitters and guides serve as interpreters for their customers and are in unique positions to inform and inspire. The Wild & Scenic Rivers 50th Anniversary Coalition hopes that the tourism industry will use the anniver- sary year of 2018 to plan itineraries that highlight rivers and trails and to edu- cate customers about the value of these unique places. Educating the public about nationally designated rivers and trails—as well as local ones—begins by training guides to convey information about the ecology, biology, natural and cultural history, stewardship responsi- bilities, and advocacy efforts for these special areas. Lisa Ronald is coordinator of the Wild & Scenic Rivers 50th Anniversary Coalition, which celebrates the 1968 creation of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. For more infor- mation, visit wildandscenicrivers50.us. Share your story Rivers and trails offer limitless opportunities for recreation. Help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails Act in 2018 by sharing your stories, photos and favorite memories: Go to 5000miles.org to relate your river story, or visit trails50.org to talk about trails. NTAonline.com 13