After a 5-year hiatus, the popular “Klickitat Trail Half-Marathon & 5K Fun Run” returns to the Klickitat Trail on November 9, 2024. Famed as one of the “most beautiful” fun runs in the Gorge, this fundraiser benefits the local communities of Klickitat and Lyle. KTC is a strong supporter of this event and will have a presence at the finish line. KTC board members and volunteers will gather prior to the event to remove rocks and debris from the course.
Half-marathon start!
KTC celebrated our 21st anniversary in October 2023 under sunny skies and chilly temperatures. Following our tradition, we gathered at the Lyle Trailhead for a tailgate breakfast featuring smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese, deviled eggs, baked goodies, fruit, and many other snacks. Short remarks about KTC, the history of the trail, and future progress followed.
Special Activities: After breakfast we will offer two short hikes that you can choose from.
- Hike #1: One will start at the trailhead, and you will hike about a mile to the Milepost One Park that the Forest Service has been hard at work on all summer. This is a beautiful park next to the trail on the Klickitat River. It has great river views and river access, but for several years it had been literally trashed by overnight camping with no facilities, and heavy use that caused erosion. The Forest Service is turning it into a day use area with new paths to the river, and we are all very excited about it!
- Hike #2: For the other choice, we will drive ten miles up the Klickitat to the Pitt trailhead to start the hike. The trail right-of-way at Pitt includes extensive lovely river frontage. We will first see the boat takeout and little beaches, and a nearby picnic table that was recently donated to the trail by a very generous family in Pitt. They also keep the area looking nice. It is so wonderful to have caring people nearby who look after the trail and make it theirs! Then we will hike about a mile and explore the Irvin Mitchell property. Irv donated it to KTC, and we in turn cleaned up 60 years of accumulation and donated it to State Parks. The trail bisects the property, with part along the river with a boat launch and a beach, and the other part in open woodland and meadows with large oaks and a picnic table. On the trail just beyond the intersection with Irv’s property are apple and pear trees that Irv planted along the trail. You might bring a bag in case there are still apples!
Always remember to bring plenty of water and lunch or a snack. The trail has very little elevation change, making it a great alternative for those who cannot hike hills. It is quite rocky in places so good hiking boots are a must. Dress accordingly for the weather. Pets and smoking are not allowed on KTC-sponsored events. Please stay on the trail at all times.
Some sections of the trail are long, with no outs except at the beginning and end. If it is evident in the first one or two miles that someone cannot keep up, or is having trouble, KTC reserves the right to require that person to turn back, accompanied, for their own safety and for the safety of the group.
Bikers in Swale Canyon (photographer: Maegan Jossy)
Previous Events and Fun Times:
October 12, 2019, Saturday
KTC’s 17th Anniversary Celebration and Hikes!
Celebrate KTC’s 17th Anniversary with your choice of two hikes along the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River. The celebration starts at 9:30 a.m. with a trailhead breakfast. We’ll collect our trail snacks and then form two groups to head out at 10:15 a.m. on our respective day hikes (both breakfast and trail snacks will be provided care/of KTC). This event is held jointly with the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge.
Choose your hike the day-of:
- Easy Hike: Lyle to Fisher Hill Bridge | 4 miles round trip| 100-ft elev. gain | 10:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Led by Barbara Robinson
- Moderate/Strenuous Hike: Pitt to Fisher Hill Bridge | 9 miles involves car shuttle | 100-ft elev. gain | 10:15 a.m.– 4 p.m. | Led by Steven Woolpert
The hikes follow the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River through oak woodlands. Both hikes are flat, but the trail is rocky, so sturdy shoes are required. Bring water and a lunch.
Meet: 9:30 a.m. at the Lyle trailhead, at intersection of Hwy 14 with Hwy 142, immediately east of the Klickitat River Bridge in Lyle. To get to the trailhead entrance, turn left on Hwy 142.
November 9, 2019, Saturday
7TH ANNUAL KLICKITAT TRAIL RUN
Klickitat Half, Full Marathon and 5k Trail Run
7 am – 3 pm
April 26, 2019, Friday
Mindfulness Earth Walk
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lyle to Fisher Hill (Easy: 2-3 miles | little elevation gain)
In partnership with Columbia Friends of the Gorge, enjoy a peaceful opportunity to connect more fully with nature, health and yourself on the Klickitat Trail with counselor and KTC board member Steven Woolpert. We’ll be utilizing the mindfulness teachings/practices of Thich Nhat Hanh especially, as he conveys the essence of the forest therapy by doing mindful walking in nature to bring the beauty and healing power of the natural world into mind, body, and spirit.
April 12, 2019, Friday
Joint hike with Friends of the Columbia Gorge:
Catherine Creek Arch Loop (Easy/Moderate: 5 miles | 150-ft elev. gain)
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In partnership with Columbia Friends of the Gorge, walk with Klickitat Trail Conservancy board members Barbara Robinson and Steven Woolpert to identify and learn about wildflowers at two different sites known for unique plant diversity. On this outing we should see camas, shooting stars, purple Columbia Desert Parsley, blue-eyed Marys, buttercups, prairie stars, gold stars, saxifrages, and much more.
September 14, 2018, Friday
“Earth Walks with mindfulness . . . for Health and Spirit”
Lyle to Fisher Hill, Easy: 2-3 miles, 150-ft. elev. gain
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Renew your mind and spirit by walking this trail with Steven Woolpert, Klickitat Trail Conservancy Board Member, licensed professional counselor, and avid walker/hiker.
This segment of the Klickitat Trail is a hidden gem of the Gorge. The path runs along an abandoned railroad bed and leads you along the Klickitat River from the town of Lyle, WA, to the dramatic Fisher Hill Trestle spanning the beautiful Klickitat Canyon. When the salmon are running (October), Native American fishermen often fish along the canyon cliffs. Fall color can be lovely; views from the trail are best when the leaves are off the oaks. Winter is also the best time for bald eagle sightings. Please note there is a restroom at the trailhead but not one at Fisher Hill Bridge.
September 22, 2018, Saturday
Wild & Scenic Klickitat River Cleanup
Meet at Lyle trailhead parking lot off of State Hwy 14
10:00 am Kickoff – 3:00 pm
Cleanup materials provided
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers and National Public Lands Day, KTC will join the US Forest Service in a community cleanup of one of our local treasures in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders are welcome for on-trail cleanup. Bring your own boating equipment for the on-river cleanup! KTC welcomes your participation! Please join us…!!
October 6, 2018, Saturday
KTC’s 16th Anniversary Celebration and Hikes!
Two Hikes: either Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle (8+ miles, moderate/strenuous)
or Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle (4 miles round trip, easy)
Hike Leaders: Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle: KTC vice president Steven Woolpert and board member Erik Engleke
Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle section: KTC president and plant expert Barbara Robinson and board member Jim Minick
Come celebrate with us! We will provide snacks and tasty treats, including smoked salmon and bagels, and offer two guided hiking options. The first option is a strenuous 8+ mile one-way hike from Pitt, ten miles up the river, to the Fisher Hill Trestle, which is two miles up the river. This hike involves driving to Pitt and a car shuttle. The second is an easy shorter hike, four miles round trip looking at plants, from Lyle to the Fisher Hill Trestle. The hikes follow the river through oak woodlands. Both hikes are flat, but the trail is rocky, so sturdy shoes are required. Bring water and a lunch. You can add some of our FREE TRAIL SNACKS to your lunch.
Meet: 9:30 am at the Lyle trailhead, at intersection of Hwy 14 with Hwy 142, immediately east of the Klickitat River Bridge in Lyle. To get to the trailhead entrance, turn left on Hwy 142.
November 3, 2018, Saturday
6TH ANNUAL KLICKITAT TRAIL RUN
Klickitat Half, Full Marathon and 5k Trail Run
Registration starts at 8 a.m.
April 27, 2018, Friday
Joint hike with Friends of the Columbia Gorge:
“Earth Walks with mindfulness . . . for Health and Spirit”
Lyle to Fisher Hill, Easy: 2-3 miles, 150-ft. elev. gain
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Renew your mind and spirit by walking this trail with Steven Woolpert, Klickitat Trail Conservancy Board Member, licensed professional counselor, and avid walker/hiker.
This segment of the Klickitat Trail is a hidden gem of the Gorge. The path runs along an abandoned railroad bed and leads you along the Klickitat River from the town of Lyle, WA, to the dramatic Fisher Hill Trestle spanning the beautiful Klickitat Canyon. When the salmon are running (October), Native American fishermen often fish along the canyon cliffs. Fall color can be lovely; views from the trail are best when the leaves are off the oaks. Winter is also the best time for bald eagle sightings. Please note there is a restroom at the trailhead but not one at Fisher Hill Bridge.
FALL 2017
October 29, 2017, Sunday (rain or shine)
Work Party — Volunteers Needed
We will walking the 9 miles between Pitt and Fisher Hill Bridge pruning brush and tossing rocks as we go in preparation for the 5th Annual Klickitat Trail Run! MARATHON – HALF, and 5K to be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017
Meet at the Lyle trailhead at 9:00 AM. Participants need to dress appropriately for the weather.
Thanks in advance from KTC Works Chair Jim Denton
October 14, 2017, Saturday
KTC’s 15th Anniversary Celebration and Hikes!
Two Hikes: either Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle (8+ miles, moderate/strenuous)
or Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle (4 miles round trip, easy)
Hike Leaders: Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle: KTC vice president Steven Woolpert and board member Erik Engleke
Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle section: KTC president and plant expert Barbara Robinson and board member Jim Minick
Come celebrate with us! We will provide snacks and tasty treats, including smoked salmon and bagels, and offer two guided hiking options. The first option is a strenuous 8+ mile one-way hike from Pitt, ten miles up the river, to the Fisher Hill Trestle, which is two miles up the river. This hike involves driving to Pitt and a car shuttle. The second is an easy shorter hike, four miles round trip looking at plants, from Lyle to the Fisher Hill Trestle. The hikes follow the river through oak woodlands. Both hikes are flat, but the trail is rocky, so sturdy shoes are required. Bring water and a lunch. You can add some of our FREE TRAIL SNACKS to your lunch.
Meet: 9:30 am at the Lyle trailhead, at intersection of Hwy 14 with Hwy 142, immediately east of the Klickitat River Bridge in Lyle. To get to the trailhead entrance, turn left on Hwy 142.
November 4, 2017, Saturday
5th Annual Klickitat Trail Run!
MARATHON – HALF, AND 5K
The Columbia Gorge Running Club, working with Community Enrichment for Klickitat County (CEKC), and support from the Klickitat Trail Conservancy, invites you to participate in the 5th Annual Klickitat Trail Run between Lyle and Klickitat
The 5th Annual Klickitat Trail Run is giving back this Year!
This year two $500 Scholarships will be awarded to the winners’ accredited college or trade school 😃 😃
Here’s How it Works ;
1) Must sign up and complete either The 5th Annual 2017 Klickitat Trail Run Marathon or Half Marathon.
2) Enter “Special Scholarship Entry” located at sign-in station.
3) Earn extra entries by correctly answering trivia questions (given out at Aid Stations).
4) Ages 17 – 100 may enter.
5) Must be enrolled in either an accredited college or accredited trade school by October 1st 2018.
6) Scholarship is NOT transferable.
7) There will be Two Winners selected by a drawing.
8) Winners will be announced at ending Festivities!
SPRING 2017
April 6, 2017, Thursday
Joint hike with Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Wildflowers at Catherine Creek and the Klickitat Trail
Leaders: KTC President Barbara Robinson and KTC Vice President Steven Woolpert
Meeting Place: Catherine Creek Trailhead at 10:00 a.m.
Directions: From the west, take I-84 to exit #64/Hood River. Cross the Hood River Bridge ($1 toll). Turn right to go east on Hwy 14 for about 7 miles, driving through the town of Bingen, to “Old Hwy 8”. Take a left onto Old Hwy 8 and drive about 2 miles. Park on the left side of the road before the “Catherine Creek” sign on the right. (Old Highway 8 continues eastward into Lyle, creating alternate routes to/from the east.)
Walk with Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC) Board Members Steven Woolpert and Barbara Robinson at these two eastern Gorge locations famous for Spring wildflowers. We will do a flower walk at Catherine Creek for about 2 hours, and then have lunch at the Klickitat Trail Trailhead before walking the trail to the Fisher Hill Trestle and back. This will be a joint hike. Please bring your day pack with extra layers, snacks, water and a lunch. Also we recommend the guidebook Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge by Russ Jolley.
April 8, 2017, Saturday
Birding Walk, plus some wildflower identification
Walk Leaders: Bird expert Stuart Johnston, and KTC President Barbara Robinson
Easy, 2-3 mile round trip, starting from Harms Rd. Trailhead
First Meeting place: 7:00 a.m. at the Lyle Trailhead
Second Meeting Place: about 7:45 a.m. at Harms Rd. Trailhead
The best time to see birds is early in the morning, so this outing starts early. Come birding with Klickitat County bird expert, Stuart Johnston, who will lead this hike for serious (or would-be serious) birders . Expect to stand still looking and listening as much as walking. Bring warm clothing, binoculars, and snacks or a lunch. We are hoping to see Long-billed Curlews and hear Vesper Sparrows, and much more. Barbara Robinson, plant expert, will add some plant lore. This hike is on the upper part of the Klickitat Trail, in open grassland area and riparian habitat along Swale Creek.
April 20, 2017, Thursday
“Earth Walks with mindfulness . . . for Health and Spirit”
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Meet at Lyle Trailhead
Renew your mind and spirit by walking this trail with Steven Woolpert, Klickitat Trail Conservancy Board Member, licensed professional counselor, and avid walker/hiker.
| This is an opportunity to discover and enhance your abilities through walking and mindfulness, to connect more fully with nature, health, yourself. It is a way to release effects of stress and help bring balance into everyday life – a renewal of mind and spirit in walking. Steven has learned from personal experience the wisdom of Hippocrates’ words: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All that is needed is to bring openness to learn and curiosity to discover in the 1-1/2 hour experience. |
NOTE: If you have registered through Friends the Columbia Gorge for this event, the following information is for you:
Carpool Meeting Place: Depart promptly at 8:30 a.m. from Gateway Transit Center. From the west, take I-84 east to Exit 7/Halsey St.; take an immediate right on the exit onto NE 99th Ave. Parking structure is second building on the right; go to the south end of the building to enter. From I-205 take Exit 21A Glisan St. from either north or south. Proceed to east side of freeway and turn left at the stoplight for NE 99th Ave. Continue past the Park & Ride surface lot to the parking structure*. Meet in the southeast corner of the garage by the stairwell.
*Alternatively, we have permission to use the back of the Fred Meyer parking lot for parking.
Second Meeting Place: Meet at 10 a.m. at Lyle Trailhead on the Klickitat Trail. From the west, travel east on I-84 to Exit 64/Hood River Bridge. Cross the bridge ($1 toll After crossing the Hood River Bridge, turn right/east onto WA SR-14 towards Lyle (approx. 13 miles). The trailhead is located on the left/north side of the highway, right after crossing the Klickitat River and just as you enter Lyle.
$12 suggested contribution to carpool drivers.
Questions? Contact Kate Lindberg, Friends of the Columbia Gorge Outdoor Programs Coordinator
971-634-1265
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
~John Muir
FALL 2016 EVENTS
October 22, 2016, Saturday
KTC’s 14th Anniversary Celebration and Hikes!
Two Hikes: (1) Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle (8+ miles), moderate/strenuous
or (2) Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle (4 miles round trip), easy
Hike Leaders: Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle: KTC vice president Steven Woolpert
Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle section: KTC president and plant expert Barbara Robinson
FREE BREAKFAST SNACKS before the hike, hopefully including smoked salmon, cream cheese and bagels!
Come to the Klickitat River Valley, enjoy the fall colors, and join Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC) members for their 13th anniversary celebration and hikes. We will meet at the new Lyle trailhead and KTC will treat everyone to lots of snacks (usually including smoked salmon and bagels) before the hikes. There will be two hiking options. The first will be a strenuous 8+ mile one-way hike from Pitt, ten miles up the river, to the Fisher Hill Trestle two miles up the river. This hike involves driving to Pitt, and a car shuttle. The second is an easy shorter hike, four miles round trip looking at plants, from Lyle to the Fisher Hill Trestle. The hikes follow the river through oak woodlands. Both hikes are flat, but the trail is rocky, so sturdy shoes are required. Bring water and a lunch. You can add some of our FREE TRAIL SNACKS to your lunch.
Meet: 9:30 am at the Lyle Trailhead, at intersection of Hwy 14 with Hwy 142, immediately east of the Klickitat River Bridge in Lyle. To get to the trailhead entrance, turn left on Hwy 142.
November 5, 2016, Saturday
4th Annual Klickitat Trail Run!
MARATHON – HALF, AND 5K
This is a Fundraising event benefiting two communities – the Klickitat Youth Center and the Lyle Activity Center. Event will be held @ Klickitat Youth Center, 92 Main Street, Klickitat, WA 98628.
DAY- OF REGISTRATION = $10 INCREASE ON ALL RACES. With the exception of under age of 18 is FREE! We will start registration and sign in @ 7:00 am and go until 9:30 am at the ALL NEW REMODELED KLICKITAT YOUTH CENTER!! Park your car at the Youth Center parking lot and Shuttle buses will depart from the Center to start locations at 9:35 am.
MARATHON: Will Start at Finish line at 8 am. This gives enough time to make it to the wide area of trail before half marathoners start for plenty of passing room. This is an out and back course with 7 aid stations.(Proceeds for Benefit)
HALF MARATHON: Start location is at the Klickitat Trail Head in Lyle WA. There will be 4 bathrooms/porta potties at this location ( will decide on more # of porta potties depending on # of preregistrations sent in). Race will start at 10:30 am. This course is 13.1 miles and has a slight elevation throughout the course. This is a medium technical course. This trail is a scenic path that follows along the beautiful Klickitat River. There are areas that are rocky as well as areas where you can pick up speed. This path is well marked and mile posts along the way. This course is both for runners and walkers. There will be three aid stations located at mile posts 3,6, and 9. First aid responders will also be located at 9mile aid station.( Proceeds go to benefit)
5K RACE: Starts at pit location at 10 am. There will be two porta potty’s available. This course is on the beautiful Klickitat Trail. It is Rocky in areas as well as smooth flat and fast! This is also a run or walk event. $10 goes to benefit. Free for kids under 18 same day sign up!
ALL RACES: Will end in front of the Klickitat Community Center where there will be AWARDS, PRIZE DRAWINGS, HOMEMADE DELICIOUS SOUPS , and FESTIVITIES to include a YOUTH MARIMBA BAND, BOOTHS AND MUCH MORE during and following the races!
Age categories for winning are separated and broken down to male and female : 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-99….
All Race Finishers will get a FINISHER MEDALLION!! There will be T-shirts and memorabilia available for purchase at the race!
Enjoy the Canyon Walls as you run next to the gorgeous Klickitat River and the most beautiful Autumn Colors!
~LOVE YOUR COLUMBIA~
Saturday, August 20, 2016 :: beginning 10:00 AM
Once again this year, KTC will participate in Columbia Riverkeeper’s annual event to celebrate Love Your Columbia. This one-day event features community river clean-ups, invasive species eradication, and restoration projects in local communities along the Columbia from British Columbia to the estuary. Riverkeeper coordinates volunteers and organizational partners throughout the watershed for an event that unites citizens, organizations, and river enthusiasts for a day of giving back to a resource that we all depend on.
KTC will clean up the section that begins at the Lyle trailhead and follows the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River north for approximately 1 mile. Beginning 10:00 AM, Lyle Trailhead.
We want YOU to be a part of the celebration!
SPRING 2016 EVENTS
March 20, Sunday: Rare Buttercup Hunt
Hike; about 5 to 6 miles round trip
Leaders: Nancy Allen, KTC board member and Carolyn Wright, botanist and Native Plant Society member
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at Lyle Trailhead. From there we will carpool 15 miles to the Harms Rd. Trailhead where the hike begins.
Second meeting place: Harms Rd trailhead, about 10:15 am
Come for a moderately paced hike on the Klickitat Trail along upper Swale Creek on the Goldendale Plateau. Look for grass widows, desert parsleys (especially the beautiful purple one) and the rare Dalles Mountain Buttercup on this occasionally rocky and nearly flat trail. Dress warmly! Bring a lunch.
May 22, Sunday: Hike through Entire Swale Canyon
Hike leaders: KTC Board Member Jim Denton and former KTC Board Member
Dave Berger
Strenuous, 13 miles
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 9:00 AM
This is one of the premier events hosted by KTC just once each Spring. A hike of the entire 13 mile remote Swale Canyon. In a few weeks, the Canyon will likely be closed for the Summer due to high fire hazard. So Now is the Time if you have been wanting to hike Swale. Mock Orange and Ocean Spray shrubs should be at peak bloom, along with other plants. The Trail is railroad gravel in places, so wear sturdy boots. There is no access to this section of Trail except at the beginning and end. Come prepared to complete the entire hike, which should take about 6 ½ hours, plus at least an hour for a 15 mile car shuttle on gravel roads.
March 31, Thursday: “Earth Walks” (Not a hike with a destination – we may not go far physically.)
“Earth Walks with Mindfulness…for Health and Spirit” – A KTC Activity for the Community
Leader: KTC board member, licensed professional counselor and walker/hiker Steven Woolpert
Meeting Place at the Lyle Trailhead at 10 am for orientation. Then we’ll walk together along the Klickitat Trail.
“Earth Walks” is an opportunity to discover and enhance your abilities through walking and mindfulness, to connect more fully with nature, health, yourself. It is a way to release effects of stress and help bring balance into everyday life – a renewal of mind and spirit in walking. Steven has learned from personal experience the wisdom of Hippocrates’ words: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All that is needed is to bring openness to learn and curiosity to discover in the 1 1/2 hour experience.
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
April 7, Thursday: Wildflower hike at Catherine Creek and the Klickitat Trail (Joint hike with KTC and Friends of the Gorge)
Hike leaders: KTC Vice president Steven Woolpert and wildflower expert Barbara Robinson
Easy to Moderate, five miles
Meeting place: Catherine Creek Trailhead at 10:00 AM (From Portland, take I-84 to Hood River, take the 3rd Hood River exit, and cross the Hood River Bridge. Turn rt. (east) on Hwy. 14 and go about 7 miles to “Old Hwy 8”. Turn left, go 2 miles on Old Hwy. 8, and park on the left side of the road before the “Catherine Creek” sign on the rt.)
We will start the day identifying and talking about the exuberant diversity of wildflowers along the paved trail at Catherine Creek. We should see camas, shooting stars, purple Columbia Desert Parsley, blue-eyed Marys, buttercups, prairie stars, gold stars, saxifrages, and much more. Then we will go to the Lyle Trailhead with a beautiful Klickitat River view for lunch, and after lunch walk the Klickitat Rail-Trail two miles to the Fisher Hill Trestle which spans the dramatic Klickitat Canyon and see some different flowers such as chocolate tips, Oregon grape, and larkspur.
April 16, Saturday: Birding Walk, plus some wildflower identification
Walk Leaders: Bird expert Stuart Johnston and KTC President Barbara Robinson
Easy, three or four miles round trip, starting from Harms Rd Trailhead
First Meeting place: 7:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead
Second Meeting Place: about 7:45 AM at Harms Road Trailhead
The best time to see birds is early in the morning, so this outing starts early. Come birding with Klickitat County bird expert, Stuart Johnston, who will lead this hike for serious (or would-be serious) birders . Expect to stand still looking and listening as much as walking. Bring warm cloths and binoculars. We are hoping to see Long-billed Curlews and hear Vesper Sparrows, and much more. Barbara Robinson, plant expert, will add some plant lore. This hike is on the upper part of the Klickitat Trail, in open grassland area and riparian habitat along Swale Creek.
April 21, Thursday: “Earth Walks” (Not a hike with a destination. We may not go far physically.)
“Earth Walks with Mindfulness…for Health and Spirit” – A joint Friends of the Gorge and KTC Activity for the Gorge Community. Limit 12: Please register with Friends of the Gorge.
Leader: KTC board member, licensed professional counselor and walker/hiker Steven Woolpert
Meeting Place at the Lyle Trailhead at 10 am for orientation. Then we’ll walk together along the Klickitat Trail.
“Earth Walks” is an opportunity to discover and enhance your abilities through walking and mindfulness, to connect more fully with nature, health, yourself. It is a way to release effects of stress and help bring balance into everyday life – a renewal of mind and spirit in walking. Steven has learned from personal experience the wisdom of Hippocrates’ words: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All that is needed is to bring openness to learn and curiousity to discover in the 1 1/2 hour experience.
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
April 30, Saturday: Hike from Pitt to KTC’s donation property and tour the property
Hike leaders: KTC president Barbara Robinson and board members Laura Bales, Bev Linde, and Nancy Allen
Easy, about 3 miles round trip
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead, 10:00 AM
KTC’s first paying member, Irvin Mitchell of Klickitat, donated his beautiful property along the Trail to KTC last Summer before his passing. KTC has worked very hard to clear the property and donate it to State Parks, so it can be enjoyed by the public, as Irv wished. We will do the lovely walk along the Klickitat River from Pitt, north about a mile to the property. Then we will explore and eat lunch there before walking back to Pitt. We also have an option of hiking another mile and a half walking north to Klickitat, doing some trash pickup along the way, if some folks are willing.
May 7, Saturday: Hike from Pitt to the Fisher Hill Trestle (This is a joint hike with Friends of the Gorge.)
Hike Leaders: KTC vice president Steven Woolpert, board member Lisa Conway, and board member emeritus Dave Berger
Strenuous, 9 miles
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 9:30 AM
Join Klickitat Trail Conservancy on this very scenic route along exciting stretches of the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. The wildflowers will likely be at peak, with purple lupine, yellow balsamroot, and much more. This is a long (9 mile) hike on an old rail bed that is flat but often rocky, so wear good hiking boots. Bring water, a lunch, and don’t forget your camera! This is a one way hike involving a car shuttle.
May 22, Sunday: Hike through Entire Swale Canyon
Hike leaders: KTC board member Jim Denton and board member emeritus Dave Berger
Strenuous, 13 miles
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 9:00 AM
This is a 13 mile, one way hike through the entire remote and beautiful Swale Canyon. Mock Orange and Ocean Spray bushes should be at peak bloom, and much else too. The Trail is railroad gravel in places, so wear sturdy boots. There is no access to this section of Trail except at the beginning and end. Come prepared to complete the entire hike, which should take about 6 ½ hours, plus time for a 15 mile car shuttle on gravel roads.
June 4, Saturday (National Trails Day): Historic Klickitat Mineral Springs hike
Hike leaders: Barbara Robinson, plant expert, and KTC board members Bev Linde and Nancy Allen
Easy, about 2 1/2 miles round trip
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at Lyle Trailhead. From there we will carpool 16 miles to the Wahkiacus Trailhead where the hike begins.
Second meeting place: Wahkiacus Trailhead, 10:15 AM
Come for a short and moderately-paced hike along the beautiful Klickitat River. We will walk to the site of an old dry ice factory and bottled mineral water company where a natural mineral spring still sometimes bubbles up from a pipe, and talk about the fascinating history of the area. (Bring a cup!) We will also look at plants along the way and may also be lucky enough to see the lovely Blazing Star in bloom at the mineral spring. The drive up the river to the trailhead is very scenic and part of the fun!
FALL 2015 EVENTS
September 23, 2015, Wednesday
“Earth Walks with mindfulness…for Health and Spirit” — a KTC activity for the Community
Leader: KTC board member, licensed professional counselor and walker/hiker Steven Woolpert
“Earth Walks” is an opportunity to discover and enhance your abilities through walking and mindfulness, to connect more fully with nature, health, yourself. It is a way to release effects of stress and help bring balance into everyday life – a renewal of mind and spirit in walking. Steven has learned from personal experience the wisdom of Hippocrates’ words: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All that is needed is to bring openness to learn and curiosity to discover in the 1-1/2 hour experience.
Please meet at the Lyle Activity Center park at 10:00 a.m. for orientation. Then we’ll walk together along the Klickitat Trail starting at the Lyle Trailhead.
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
October 3, 2015, Saturday
Hike Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle – a Bilingual Hike!
Eight miles one-way, fairly strenuous
Hike Leaders: Dave Berger and Gabe Morales
View event flyer by clicking here
Join us on this long, beautiful hike along the Klickitat River with trees starting their fall colors. Our hike leaders speak both Spanish and English. All are welcome, and we want to especially invite our Spanish-speaking friends to discover the Klickitat Trail. We do this eight+ mile hike with a car shuttle. Much of the trail is alongside the Klickitat River with beautiful river views. The trail is generally flat, but fairly rocky, so wear good hiking boots. Bring a lunch and plenty of water!
Meet: Lyle Trailhead at 9:00 a.m.
October 18, 2015, Sunday
KTC’s 13th Anniversary Celebration and Hikes!
Two Hikes: (1) Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle (8+ miles)
or (2) Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle (4 miles round trip)
Hike Leaders: Pitt to Fisher Hill Trestle: KTC board members Jim Denton and Steven Woolpert and for the Lyle to Fisher Hill Trestle section: plant expert Barbara Robinson, and Joy Markgraf, organizer of the “Wild about Nature” lecture series.
FREE BREAKFAST SNACKS before the hike, hopefully including smoked salmon, cream cheese and bagels!
Come to the Klickitat River Valley, enjoy the fall colors, and join Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC) members for their 13th anniversary celebration and hikes. We will meet at the new Lyle Trailhead and KTC will treat everyone to lots of snacks (usually including smoked salmon and bagels) before the hikes. There will be two hiking options. The first will be a strenuous 8+ mile one-way hike from Pitt, ten miles up the river, to the Fisher Hill Trestle two miles up the river. This hike involves driving to Pitt, and a car shuttle. The second is an easy shorter hike, four miles round trip looking at plants, from Lyle to the Fisher Hill Trestle. The hikes follow the river through oak woodlands. Both hikes are flat, but the trail is rocky, so sturdy shoes are required. Bring water and a lunch. You can add some of our FREE TRAIL SNACKS to your lunch.
Two years ago a caboose was placed at the park in the town of Klickitat in memory of the old railroad. After our hikes some of you might want to take the 13-mile beautiful drive to Klickitat to see it.
Meet: 9:30 am at the Lyle Trailhead, at intersection of Hwy 14 with Hwy 142, immediately east of the Klickitat River Bridge in Lyle. To get to the trailhead entrance, turn left on Hwy 142.
October 24, 2015, Saturday
Lyle to the Fisher Hill Trestle – a Bilingual Hike!
Hike Leaders: Dave Berger and Gabe Morales
View event flyer by clicking here
Enjoy the fall with this easy hike, four miles round trip. We will walk on a wide trail through oaks in fall color to a spectacular view of the Klickitat Canyon from the high Fisher Hill Trestle. We have leaders that speak both Spanish and English. All are welcome, and we want to especially invite our Spanish-speaking friends to discover the Klickitat Trail. The hike is flat and on a packed gravel surface, so will be kid-friendly. Bring snacks or a lunch.
Meet: Lyle Trailhead at 10:00 am
October 25, 2015, Sunday
Entire Swale Canyon Hike (strenuous, 13 miles one way)
Leaders: KTC work chair Jim Denton
This is a strenuous 6+ hour, 13 mile hike through remote and beautiful Swale Canyon, with Fall color likely at peak. The only access points to the this 13 mile section of trail are the beginning at the Harms Rd. trailhead, and at the end at the Wahkiacus trailhead. We go from the treeless hills of the East Gorge, through open pine-oak woodlands and meadows, and finish in solid forest. The grade is a mild downhill grade and we do it one way, using a car shuttle on gravel roads. The trail is heavy railroad gravel in places, so wear sturdy boots.
Meet: Lyle Trailhead at 9:00 a.m.
SPRING 2015 EVENTS
March 22, 2015, Sunday
Rare Dalles Mountain Buttercup Hunt
Leaders: Nancy Allen, KTC board member, and Carolyn Wright, botanist and Native Plant Society member
Easy to Moderate, 5 to 6 miles round trip
This is a moderately-paced hike on the Klickitat Trail along upper Swale Creek on the Goldendale Plateau. We’ll be looking for Grass Widows, Desert Parsleys (especially the beautiful purple one) and the rare Dalles Mountain Buttercup on this occasionally rocky and nearly flat trail. Dress warmly! Bring a lunch.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at Lyle Trailhead. From there we will carpool 15 miles to the Harms Rd. Trailhead where the hike begins.
Second Meeting Place: Harms Rd. Trailhead at approximately 10:15 AM
March 25, 2015, Wednesday
Wildflower hike at Catherine Creek and the Klickitat Trail (Joint hike with KTC and Friends of the Gorge)
Hike leaders: KTC Vice president Steven Woolpert and wildflower expert Barbara Robinson
Easy to moderate, 5 miles round trip
We will start the day identifying and talking about the exuberant diversity of wildflowers along the paved trail at Catherine Creek. It should be the peak of Shooting Stars and the Purple Columbia Desert Parsley, plus Blue-Eyed Marys, Buttercups, Prairie Stars, Gold Stars, and much more.
Then we will go to the Lyle Trailhead with a beautiful Klickitat River view for lunch. After lunch, we will walk the Klickitat Rail-Trail two miles to the Fisher Hill Trestle, which spans the dramatic Klickitat Canyon and see some different flowers, hopefully Chocolate Tips, Oregon Grape, and Larkspurs, among others.
Meeting place: Catherine Creek Trailhead at 10:00 AM (From Portland, take I-84 to Hood River, take the 3rd Hood River exit (#64) and cross the Hood River Bridge. Turn right (east) on Hwy. 14 and go about 7 miles to “Old Hwy 8”. Turn left, go 2 miles on Old Hwy. 8. Plenty of parking on the right side of the road at the Trailhead.
April 11, 2015, Saturday
Birding Walk, plus some plant identification
Walk Leaders: Bird expert Stuart Johnston and KTC President Barbara Robinson
Easy, 3 or 4 miles round trip, starting from Harms Rd. Trailhead
The best time to see birds is early in the morning, so this outing starts early. Come birding with Klickitat County bird expert, Stuart Johnston, who will lead this hike for serious (or would-be serious) birders . Expect to stand still looking and listening as much as walking. Bring warm clothing and binoculars. We are hoping to see Long-billed Curlews and hear Vesper Sparrows, and much more. Barbara Robinson, plant expert, will add some plant lore. This hike is on the upper part of the Klickitat Trail, in open grassland area and riparian habitat along Swale Creek.
First Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 7:00 AM
Second Meeting Place: Harms Rd. Trailhead at approximately 7:45 AM
April 15, 2015, Wednesday
“Earth Walks” (not a hike with a destination — we may not go far physically)
“Earth Walks with Mindfulness…for Health and Spirit” – A KTC Activity for the Community
Leader: KTC board member, licensed professional counselor, and walker/hiker Steven Woolpert
“Earth Walks” is an opportunity to discover and enhance your abilities through walking and mindfulness, to connect more fully with nature, health, yourself. It is a way to release effects of stress and help bring balance into everyday life – a renewal of mind and spirit in walking. Steven has learned from personal experience the wisdom of Hippocrates’ words: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All that is needed is to bring openness to learn and curiosity to discover in the 1-1/2 hour experience.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 10 AM for orientation. Then we’ll walk together along the Klickitat Trail.
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
April 19, 2015, Sunday
Klickitat Mineral Springs Hike (A joint hike with Washington Native Plant Society)
Hike leaders: KTC President and wildflower expert Barbara Robinson, and Don Hardin of the Washington Native Plant Society
Easy, about 3 miles round trip
Come for a moderately-paced hike along the Klickitat River, identifying plants along the way. We will walk to the site of an old dry ice factory and a natural mineral spring where fizzy water is sometimes bubbling up from a pipe, and talk about the fascinating history of the area. A little further down the trail we’ll find cliffs covered with wildflowers. We should see large purple and yellow desert parsleys, saxifrages, gold stars, buttercups, balsamroots, lupines, and much more.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at Lyle Trailhead. From there we will carpool 16 miles to the Wahkiacus Trailhead where the hike begins.
Second meeting place: Wahkiacus Trailhead, 10:15 AM
April 26, 2015, Sunday
Hike from the town of Klickitat to Pitt
Hike leaders: KTC board members Laura Bales, Ashleigh Coyner and Nancy Allen
Easy, about 3 miles one way
Join us for an easygoing hike with lovely sections along the Klickitat River and some beautiful wildflowers such as Blue Camas. Learn about the history of the timber company town of Klickitat from Laura. We may also do some trash pickup along the way. There will be a short car shuttle and the hike will be one way.
Meeting Place: Klickitat Town Park Trailhead, 10:00 AM
May 1, 2015, Friday
“Earth Walks” (Not a hike with a destination. We may not go far physically.)
“Earth Walks with Mindfulness…for Health and Spirit” (A joint Friends of the Gorge and KTC Activity for the Gorge Community. Limit 12: Please register with Friends of the Gorge)
Leader: KTC board member, licensed professional counselor and walker/hiker Steven Woolpert
“Earth Walks” is an opportunity to discover and enhance your abilities through walking and mindfulness, to connect more fully with nature, health, yourself. It is a way to release effects of stress and help bring balance into everyday life – a renewal of mind and spirit in walking. Steven has learned from personal experience the wisdom of Hippocrates’ words: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All that is needed is to bring openness to learn and curiosity to discover in the 1-1/2 hour experience.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 10 AM for orientation. Then we’ll walk together along the Klickitat Trail.
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
May 10, 2015, Sunday (Mother’s Day)
Hike from Pitt to the Fisher Hill Trestle (A joint hike with Friends of the Gorge)
Hike Leaders: KTC works chairman Jim Denton and KTC board member Dave Berger
Strenuous, 9 miles one way
This is a very scenic route along exciting stretches of the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. It will likely be at wildflower peak, with balsam root, lupine, and much more. Jim will tell you about some of the geology. This is a one way hike involving a car shuttle.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 9:30 AM
May 17, 2015, Sunday
Hike Entire Swale Canyon
Hike leaders: KTC board members Jim Denton, Steven Woolpert, and Dave Berger
Strenuous, 13 miles one way
This is a 13 mile, one way hike through the entire remote and beautiful Swale Canyon. Mock Orange and Ocean Spray bushes should be at peak bloom, and much else too. The Trail is railroad gravel in places, so wear sturdy boots. There is no access to this section of Trail except at the beginning and end. Come prepared to complete the entire hike, which should take about 6 ½ hours, plus time for a 15 mile car shuttle on gravel roads.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 9:00 AM
May 24, 2015, Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend
Swale Canyon Bird Walk (This is a Friends of the Gorge hike. You need to call Friends of the Gorge to register)
Hike leader: wildlife biologist Tim Pitz
Easy: 1-2 miles, very little elevation gain
Welcome the day with this early morning bird walk with wildlife biologist and bird guide Tim Pitz. Learn bird species and their songs as you hike in the quiet Swale Canyon, in drier open meadowlark country.
Meeting place: Lyle Trailhead at 7:00 AM
June 6, 2015, Saturday (National Trails Day)
Children’s Bike Ride and Scavenger Hunt
Leader: KTC board member Ashleigh Coyner
Easy, 4 miles, round trip
Join Ashleigh and her children for a fun bike ride from the Lyle Trailhead to the beautiful Fisher Hill Trestle and back. This is a flat four-mile round trip on a packed fine gravel surface. Near the trestle we may do something special, like a nature hunt with treats and planting some native wildflower seed. This event is especially appropriate for children up to 10 or 12 year old. Bring your kids, bikes, and helmets!
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 10:00 AM
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEADS
- Lyle Trailhead: To get there from the Portland area, take I-84 east to the third Hood River Exit (#64), cross the Hood River Bridge to Washington, and turn right (east) on Hwy. 14. Go about 13 miles to the Klickitat River Bridge (the entrance to Lyle), and just beyond the bridge turn left (north) on Hwy. 142. Immediately turn left at the trailhead entrance. There are restroom facilities at this location.
- Harms Rd. Trailhead: From Lyle, take the Lyle-Centerville Hwy., which starts in the center of Lyle between the gas station and the Cafe. Head north for approximately 15 miles. Watch for the sign for the Klickitat Trail and turn left on Harms Rd. Drive north one-half mile and park just north of the trestle bridge over Swale Creek. There is a portable toilet at this location.
- Pitt Trailhead: Go 10 miles north from SR-14 on SR-142. There is a parking area across the street from the row of houses. There is a portable toilet at this location.
- Klickitat Town Park Trailhead: Drive 13 miles up Hwy 142 to the middle of the town of Klickitat, and look for a grocery store on the left. Park just beyond the grocery store, on the left by the little park under the trees.
