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