Klickitat Trail

Area Status: Open
Klickitat Trail is a gravel surface along the river here.

This Rails-to-Trails conversion follows an old railroad grade through the spectacular Klickitat Canyon along the Klickitat River. The trail is a wide (12 feet in most places) pathway ideal for mountain bikes, horseback riding and family strolls. The lowermost 10.8 miles of the Klickitat River, from Wheeler Creek to the confluence with Columbia River, are designated as a Wild & Scenic River. 

See bald eagles, water fowl, scenic pine/oak forests and an amazing display of spring wildflowers. The Swale Canyon portion of the trail is usually closed from June-October due to fire danger.

Klickitat River Map by Klickitat Trail Conservancy.Select image to view a downloadable vicinity map

The trail begins at the Lyle Trailhead off  Washington SR-14 near Lyle, WA and goes through Klickitat, WA. It continues another 18 miles to near Centerville, WA on State Parks jurisdiction.

For more information, visit the Klickitat Trail Conservancy website.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Open for day use only.
Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Light-Medium
Restrictions: Motor vehicles are prohibited. Fires not allowed within 200 feet of trail. Must stay on trail except at designated spots.
Closest Towns: Lyle, WA; White Salmon, WA
Water: No Potable Water
Restroom: Flush toilets available spring-fall. Portable toilet on site in the winter.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

Lyle Trailhead

From Bingen/White Salmon, WA travel east on Washington State Highway approximately 9.5 miles.  Take the first left after crossing the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River on to State Rout 142 then in 1/10 mile take the first left into the trailhead parking area.

From The Dalles, OR travel north on US Highway 197 to Washington State Highway 14.  Turn left onto Highway 14 and travel approximately 7.5 miles to Lyle.  Travel through town and take a right on State Highway 142, just before crossing the Klickitat River.  Take the first left into the trailhead parking area.


General Notes:

Take plenty of water as there is no potable water available along the trail.


Parking:

There is parking for cars and trailers.


Accessibility:

See more at 3:24


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking along wild and scenic river

River and Stream Fishing

Many spots are available for fishing along the Scenic Klickitat River.

Day Hiking

Hiking part of this Scenic Trail would make a wonderful day hike.

Areas for Day Hiking at Klickitat Trail

Horse Riding

With many Scenic Views the Klickitat Rail Trail would make a wonderful Horse Ride.

Viewing Wildlife

It provides great bird watching opportunities. You may see bald eagles and great blue herons.

Viewing Plants

This is a great place to view wildflowers in the spring.

Viewing Scenery

Scenery highlights carved gorges, geologic formations, wildflowers in the spring and early summer, and several forest types.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Highlights

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
(13 miles within CRGNSA) 31 miles total

  Elevation : 
100' - 500'