A Bi-state 354-Mile Trail Network

WASHINGTON / OREGON

The Blue Mountain Region Trails Plan is a community-driven strategy for a trails network through Columbia and Walla Walla counties in Washington, and northeastern Umatilla County in Oregon. The idea for the plan started when communities across the Blue Mountain region recognized the potential of the beautiful landscape to enhance economies, health and the overall quality of life for small towns in the valley.

Collaborating with more than 30 local, regional, state and federal partners, the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) facilitated planning workshops to gather ideas and recommendations from the local communities for the trail network. Additionally, NPS-RTCA identified existing and potential trail connections between towns as a means to increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities. More than 600 people participated in the workshops and their visions were used to create the final concept plan for the proposed 354-mile trail network.

In 2018, the Blue Mountain Region Trails Plan was finalized and shared with the public. The plan, which received the Governor’s Award for Excellence, features the proposed trail network, next steps and funding sources that has since spurred partners to action with implementing the plan.

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For more than 30 years, the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program  has been moving the needle on conservation and outdoor recreation in communities across America. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.