California Could See a Beautiful New 300-Mile Hiking Trail Along Its Northern Coast

Image: Vista of Sonoma Valley wine country in autumn. Looking down on patches of yellow and green vines. (photo via KarenWibbs / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

by Jessica Zickefoose
Last updated: 6:43 PM ET, Sun September 9, 2018

All you West Coast outdoors enthusiasts, you may very well be in for some exciting news.

Parts of California's old and crumbling Northwest Pacific Railway may likely be transformed into the Great Redwood Trail-a 300-mile hiking trail taking in the sights of remote rivers, canyons, and Redwood forests.

According to Lonely Planet, the trail is set to run from San Francisco Bay to Humboldt, taking you right through the absolutely stunning and beautiful California Wine Country.

On a vote of 62-3, the bill, which was proposed by California State Senator Mike McGuire, passed the State Assembly on August 30, 2018. The next step before the project can begin, the bill needs to be approved by the governor's office.

Even if approved, it may take awhile to get the ball rolling. The scenic hiking trail is set to cost an estimated $1 billion. In addition to the high cost, the trail would need to run parallel to the tracks instead of through them, being as part of the railroad is still in service.

According to McGuire, the addition of the trail could really benefit the local economy, as well as residents and tourists.

"This is truly an incredible piece of earth," said McGuire. "From the San Francisco Bay, through the incredible beauty of wine country, alongside the glistening banks of the Russian and Eel rivers, into the stunning old growth Redwood forests, and up to and around panoramic Humboldt Bay."

Over a decade ago, North Coast Railroad Authority sold a long-term contract to Northwestern Pacific Company. The bill McGuire proposed would give the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit the ability to negotiate taking over that contract.

"There is still major work to do and we know that anything that makes a big difference is never easy. We need to resolve the significant financial debt that North Coast Railroad Authority has racked up over the years as our first step," added McGuire.

For now, the future of the area remains unknown, but lots are hopeful this will give the state a solid chance of sharing its beauty with the rest of the world.

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