Klickitat Trail Conservancy -- About Us

Mission Statement of the Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: To preserve and promote the public use of the 31 mile Klickitat Trail as a Recreational, Cultural, Natural, Educational, and Economic Asset of Klickitat County. Click here to read KTC's bylaws.

Donations and contributions are gratefully accepted.
For more information, send us an email.
Thanks for your support!

A cool hike in the summer.

Along the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River in the Summer.
Photo courtesy of Darryl Lloyd.

The Klickitat Trail Story

In 1903, the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad built the original railroad linking Lyle and Goldendale to transport crops, lumber and livestock. Passenger service existed for several years during the 1920s between Portland, Oregon, and Goldendale, Washington. Lumber was king and the railroad was an important part of its transport until the 1980s.

It was abandoned in 1992 following the decline of the lumber mill in the town of Klickitat and the mill in Goldendale. The railroad right-of-way was purchased in 1993 by the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Ownership of the rail line was transferred to Washington State Parks in 1994. Despite some local opposition, public support prevailed. 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, the U.S. Forest Service, and the KTC.

In 2007-2008, the U.S. Forest Service completed its Trail management and development plan which includes a partnership with the Klicktitat Trail Conservancy and Washington State Parks. This is the plan under which all three organizations are currently working.

KTC Background

We began organizing our first Saturday hikes in August 2002, which planted the seeds for an organization that was to become the Klickitat Trail Conservancy. Since then, our group of supporters and trail users has taken root, committed to making the dream of an improved Klickitat Trail become a reality. The first few years of organization were action packed and much has been accomplished through the efforts of many individuals.

Formation of the Klickitat Trail Conservancy, a non-profit organization with IRS-designated 501(c) (3) status.

Formation of a board of directors to help the organization prosper and ensure progress in trail projects and improvement, as well as to communicate with Washington State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service.

Countless hours of volunteer efforts conducting regular trail maintenance activities.

Organized bi-monthly trail hikes and mountain bike rides on various sections of the trail.

Placement of toilets at trailheads.

Interpretive kids’ hikes in Klickitat and Lyle.

Ongoing communication with the staff of the Yakama Nation to learn how we can help restore salmon runs in Swale Canyon.

A website: www.klickitat-trail.org

Improved relations with adjacent landowners and those originally opposed to the trail.

Presentation of $5,000 to Washington State Parks Commission, meeting the financial commitment we made to offset costs incurred by their lifting of the trail closure in February 2003.

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.

Copyright © 2003-2012 Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC). All rights reserved.
Klickitat Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 512, Lyle, WA 98635

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 February 2, 2012