In a troubling trend affecting public lands nationwide, the U.S. Forest Service is losing ground on keeping trail systems safe, accessible, and well‑maintained. This decline has serious implications for public access, safety, and ecological health—raising urgent concerns for regions that rely on forest recreation, including southwest Washington.

A 2013 Government Accountability Office report found that only about one‑quarter of the Forest Service’s ~158,000 miles of trails met safety or maintenance standards. At the time, 37% of those miles received at least some maintenance, suggesting a persistent backlog and growing risk of environmental degradation and public safety issues. The estimated cost to address the backlog then stood at $314 million, with another $210 million needed annually for upkeep and capital improvements. This shortfall shows no signs of abating. GAO report: Forest Service Trails Maintenance Shortfalls

More recently, a December 2025 internal Forest Service report revealed critical staffing failures that have intensified the trail crisis. Some ranger districts have lost 100% of their trail staff, effectively wiping out generations of technical expertise in areas such as rock masonry, bridge repair, equipment operation, and volunteer coordination. The remaining workforce suffers widespread burnout, poor morale, and unclear leadership—impairing the Forest Service’s ability to oversee volunteers, manage grants, or even spend allocated funds. Consequently, while front‑country trails may receive patchwork care, backcountry routes are being abandoned, unsafe, and in disrepair. Washington Post: Forest Service Trails Crisis

In the wake of those staffing losses, volunteers and hikers have stepped in, particularly in Oregon. Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), for instance, is coordinating volunteer efforts to clear trails, repair tread, and maintain infrastructure. Yet, even their critical help cannot fully substitute for trained Forest Service professionals. The result: volunteers stretched thin, nonprofits burdened with expectation, and increasing risk of burnout across the system. Trailkeepers of Oregon on the crisis

Nationally, shattered trail systems are being described in stark terms: “unpassable trails,” “unsafe bridges,” unauthorized trail creation, signage failures, erosion, and environmental harm. The percentage of trail miles maintained has plummeted by ~22%, with only ~19% continuing to meet agency standards—the lowest level in at least 15 years. Completion rates of routine upkeep like drainage, brushing, or structural repairs are falling behind. Washington Trails Association report

Why this matters for southwest Washington: With 9,281 miles of Forest Service trails in our state—far more than managed by national parks—the crisis directly affects trail access, safety, and recreation in Longview, Kelso, and Cowlitz County. As staffing collapses, underserved trails may be left unmanaged or unsafe. Nonprofit groups may step in locally but need technical support and coordination to be effective.

What local communities can do: Advocacy at the federal and state level is critical. Legislators need pressure to restore and expand trail staffing, reinstate seasonal hiring, and unlock trail grant funds. Public‑private partnerships should be empowered but not made a substitute for adequately funded forest staffing. In Cowlitz County and neighboring areas, local hiking or conservation groups can help fill gaps—but only with proper coordination and resources.

Conclusion: The deteriorating state of U.S. Forest Service trails is more than a bureaucratic failure—it’s a threat to public safety, environmental stewardship, and community access. Locally, southwest Washington’s trail networks are vulnerable unless mitigated by renewed staffing investment, coordinated volunteer efforts, and sustained public advocacy. The path forward depends on re‑prioritizing trail maintenance as essential public infrastructure—not optional recreation.