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 & 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, ending 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.
A Scenic Adventure
The first 17 miles of the Trail follow the Klickitat River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River. The Trail then heads east, through Swale Creek Canyon, a pristine area that is extraordinarily scenic, ecologically significant, and largely isolated from human activity. The rugged, remoteness of Swale Canyon draws mountain bikers and adventurers. Beautiful carved n arrow gorges of the Klickitat and Swale Canyons, with their rolling oak and pine forested hillsides, host spectacular wildflower displays and provide topnotch birding opportunities. The Klickitat Trail is truly a gem of the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific Northwest.
Family enjoying easy walking from Lyle Trailhead toward
Fisher Hill Bridge Trestle on gently-graded trail.
(Click on image to larger size)
Trail of Many Uses
This multi-use trail is ideal for a variety of recreational uses throughout the seasons. The trail in winter brings a landscape of quiet solitude and offers the chance to cross-country ski or enjoy unique ice formations along the cliffs. Spring delivers green-draped hills with a profusion of wildflowers. The landscape turns to shades of beige and brown by early summer. Birding opportunities await year 'round. Fishing is popular -- the Klickitat River is home to Coho and Chinook salmon as well as steelhead trout. By fall the oaks and maples are putting on a last burst of color in the cool crisp air. Horse use on the trail is not currently allowed. However, that may change in the future as the Master Planning process evolves.
Ancient traditions continue near the trail. The Klickitat River is one of only two Native American dip-net fisheries in the Columbia River Basin. Dramatic and unique geologic landscapes can also be seen. Steep columnar basalt cliffs are visible from the trail near Wahkiacus. And about a mile from the Lyle Trailhead is an area known as the "Narrows" where the river squeezes through the basalt flows.
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 topnotch birding opportunities. Read a great article about eagle viewing published in The Dalles Chronicle. 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.
The Klickitat Trail Conservancy is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting
the Klickitat Rail-to-Trail as a unique recreational asset and legacy for our community.
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 Questions for webmaster? E-mail: coribadesigner@gmail.com
Last updated January 16, 2012
