Located in southern Washington State, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the Klickitat Trail follows the first 31 miles of an old railroad corridor linking the towns of Lyle and Goldendale. It is unique among rail trails. Nowhere else is there a rail trail that starts in a remote, beautiful tributary canyon, winds along a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, and finishes in one of the nation’s only National Scenic Areas.
The 31-mile gently graded Trail starts in the breathtaking, remote Swale Canyon and passes through the small town of Klickitat before following all 10.5 miles of the beautiful Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. The Trail ends at the trailhead near Lyle, Washington, at the confluence of the Klickitat and Columbia Rivers. The Trail’s spectacular scenery includes carved gorges, interesting geologic formations, abundant wildflowers, rolling oak and ponderosa pine forests, and great birding opportunities, including winter habitat for bald eagles near the Lyle trailhead.
The Klickitat Trail Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Klickitat Rail-to-Trail as a unique recreational asset and legacy for our community.
Along the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River in late Winter.
Photo courtesy of David Melody
In 2003, local supporters of the Trail formed the Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC). The Trail, a public right of way, is now managed cooperatively by Washington State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and the KTC.
The Trail offers spectacular river and canyon views throughout its length. The beautiful carved gorges of the Klickitat and Swale Canyons, with their rolling oak and pine forested hillsides, host spectacular wildflower displays and provide top notch birding opportunities. These are just a few of the unique attributes that make this Trail truly a gem of the Columbia Gorge and Pacific Northwest, enjoyed by the public throughout the entire year.
View of the trail as it winds
through Swale Canyon.
Photo courtesy of Bob Hansen
Top Photo: From an intact trestle, a stunning view unfolds of the open country
surrounding the Klickitat Trail. Photo courtesy of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and current.
Additions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome.
E-mail: info@klickitat-trail.org
