Exploring the West Trail of The WLTCA
The Western Trail is a route through the parks in Oregon, and covers about 800 miles. The Great Western Trail was originally used during the early 19th century as a means of transportation of horses and cattle to market in western and eastern states. It was a major source of income for many Oregon farmers, enabling them to support their families. But by the middle of the 20th Century, the popularity of this trail had waned. Today, many people use the Western Trail for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other recreation activities.
The first section of the Western Trail follows the path of the Columbia River and travels from Grantsville to Missoula. The trail also includes portions of the Silver Fork Trail which was built to improve the drainage of the Bitterroots and Big River valleys. The trail also includes the portion of the Pendleton Trail which runs from the Continental Divide of Montana southward to the Continental Divide of Washington. The trail follows the low saddle roadbeds of the Pendleton Pass to the confluence with the South Platte River. Then it meanders along the footpaths of the pass to the foot of Horseman’s creek where the historic Mt. Hood camping facility can be accessed.
The western trail also includes portions of the Big Horn Trail, the Copper River Camping Trail, the Graves Park Trail, the Dallas Trail, and the Fort Collins and Colorado State University trails. Other minor trails include the Oak Creek Trail, the Black Canyon Trail, and the Spring Creek Trail. The sections of the western trail that travel through the Oak Creek Camping Trail and the Fort Collins and Colorado State University trails are within a short distance of the existing highway routes. The former highways were constructed to create a more convenient route for travelers. The new routes have better views, parks and other attractions, and offer a safer and more comfortable traveling experience.
The most important part of the western trail is the Flachau Forest, located in the south central part of the state near the town of Dodge City, Texas. The natural formation of the Flachau Forest has made it one of the favored places for bird watching. There are several species of migratory birds including the Black Headed Grosbeak, Black Headed Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, and Black Backed Oriole.
The area around the San Antonio and Bexar counties has been designated the nation’s first National Wildflower Center. The San Antonio and Bexar county know about protecting nature. They have made the country’s first National Wildflower Center located in Downtown San Antonio. The San Antonio and Bexar counties have designated lands for the National Wildflower Center as a major restoration project.
The WLTCA has worked diligently to protect the environment, wildlife and the land through various campaigns, programs and volunteer work. It also has provided many locations and maps of the most beautiful landscapes in Texas. The trails of the western section of the WLTCA also includes the Texas Deer Trail, the San Antonio-New Braunfels Trail, and the New Madrid Leon County Trail. Each one of these sections of the Western Trail have become popular outdoor activities, overnight campsites, RV campgrounds, RV hookups, lodging, and picnic locations.