Biking the trail can be an exhilarating experience. The scenery is incredible, but in many places the trail is also incredibly rough. The trail surface is quite variable. The following information relates to trail runners as well.
- 70% is mixed rocks and dirt but with a clear route through
- 15% is nice dirt
- 10% is RR ballast
- 5% is rolled gravel
from Lyle to Fisher Hill bridge (about 1.7 miles) and in the town of Klickitat (0.5 miles).
Biking Tips for the Klickitat Trail
Expect to take 3 to 5 hours to bike the entire trail.
Front suspension for your bike HIGHLY recommended.
Carry at least 3 liters of water on a hot day. You can refill water bottles in the town of Klickitat.
Slime in your inner tubes will help prevent flats.
Carry a tire repair kit. Yellow-star thistle burrs and Goat Head thorns (aka Puncturevine) are notorious for puncturing tires.
Bikers need to exit the trail at Schilling Road, and re-connect in the town of Klickitat via SR 142.
Carry extra food, sun screen and a first aid kit.
Beware of ticks, poison oak and rattlesnakes. Lime Disease is in the area, check for ticks!
There is currently NO predictable cell phone coverage on the trail, especially in remote Swale Canyon.
The only way in or out of Swale Canyon is at the trailheads.
Stay on the trail. Private property abuts the trail in most places.
Photo: Ashleigh Coyner