Foothills Trail Development Gains Momentum with National Park Service Grant
By Shayla Miles, Executive Director
Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Foothills Trail! The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition and Pierce County Parks have secured a significant boost from the National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. This prestigious grant will provide crucial technical support for designing and engaging the community on a key 3.5-mile segment of the trail between Wilkeson and Carbonado.
Kicking off this fall, the project will focus on gathering public input to shape the trail’s design. The aim is to ensure the trail meets local needs and aligns with the broader vision of connecting this trail segment to Mount Rainier National Park.
The NPS-RTCA program is known for its support of grassroots conservation and recreation projects. While the grant doesn’t offer monetary assistance, it provides essential technical assistance, helping communities like ours turn their outdoor recreation dreams into reality.
For this project, the emphasis will be on pre-design work and public engagement to ensure the trail’s development reflects community needs and expectations.
The Carbon Glacier Corridor, which includes Wilkeson and Carbonado, serves as a gateway to the northwest region of Mount Rainier National Park. The undeveloped stretch of the Foothills Trail here has long been a community focus, seen as vital for active transportation, recreation, and local economic growth.
The new trail will offer sustainable transportation options, promote healthier lifestyles, and boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic. It will also enhance safety and provide a much-needed alternative to the current highway route between Wilkeson and Carbonado.
Pre-design feasibility work began in early 2024 and public engagement will begin in Fall 2024 extending into 2025. If funding is available, design could commence in 2026 with construction as soon as 2028. These timelines are subject to County Council budget approval and staff availability to move this project forward without delay.
The Foothills Coalition and Pierce County Parks thank the National Park Service for its support and eagerly anticipate working with the community to realize this vision!
