An extensive network of 37 trails connecting people from Wilsonville to Vancouver and in between has been released. The new Bi-State Regional Trail Systems plan includes 20 trails in the Portland metropolitan area and 17 in Clark County that will connect cities and suburbs to other communities.The plan is the product of The Intertwine Alliance, a coalition of businesses, nonprofits and public agencies that have committed to linking trails, parks and natural areas with homes, jobs and schools to create one of the greatest parks networks in the world.
The 37 trails were selected based on previous regional and state trail planning that stemmed from 100 years of research. More than 250 miles of regional trails on both sides of the Columbia River already provide bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and paddlers access to nature and a safe, enjoyable means of transportation. The long-term vision for the region includes 950 miles of trails that will link 32 cities, six counties and two states.
Metro and the Vancouver/Clark County Parks System wrote the plan, with technical assistance from the National Park Service's Challenge Cost Share Program, which supports groups who work to preserve natural, recreational and cultural resources.