(bright music) - I'm Paris Jackson in the Crosscut KCTS 9 newsroom.

Upgrade plans to extend one of Washington's beloved trails could be afoot.

With its railroad origins, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is Washington's link in a national Rails-to-Trails network heavily traveled by avid hikers, bikers, and riders on horseback.

Enthusiasts say the wide open vistas, easy grade, and rare visitors make it a great combination of both an arduous and relaxing adventure, while others argue it isn't as bike-friendly as it could be due to gravel along segments.

The nearly 300 mile trail with some gaps stretches from Cedar Falls south of North Bend, east to the Idaho border.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a DC-based nonprofit that provides money and technical assistance for converting abandoned railroad lines into hiking and biking trails.

One major next step is to extend the trail West to Seattle and the Pacific Coast.

No timetable has been set or money allocated for the project.

I'm Paris Jackson.

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