Coyote Wall Recreation Area

Area Status: Open
A person looks across the Columbia River at the landscape.

A massive formation of columnar basalt, Coyote Wall is one of the Columbia River Gorge's most recognizable features from all directions. Known around the Gorge as "The Syncline", local amateur geologists enjoy debating its proper geological classification over a craft brew.

From Coyote Wall Trailhead, bikers, hikers, and riders can access a 30+ mile network trails with an open feel and breath-taking views. Trails include:

Mountain bikers love the range of mountain biking challenges which reward those who climb the trails with amazing panoramas of the Gorge! Naturalists can appreciate the diverse population of rare and sensitive plants found here. The thin, fragile soils were created by Missoula floods, and the habitat remains important for wildlife species.

Please avoid the area directly below Coyote Wall to the west, as it is private land. Trails in the area have been gradually rehabilitated in recent years according to a long-term site management plan, so user-created trails that once damaged natural resources are being decomissioned. New signs make it easy to stay on official trails, but use maps with caution as most are now out of date. (This planning map shows temporary names used during the planning process to label approved trails.) Today's signs do not match the shorthand codes, but they do make it easy to stay on official trails. Please respect signs indicating decommissioned trails and sensitive areas under restoration.

 

 

New trail sign in dry grassy area. Trail signs along a plateau Trail winding on a plateau above river Coyote Wall Trailhead sign Grass widow along Old Ranch Road, Coyote Wall Trail System.

At a Glance

Fees: No fee
Open Season: Year round
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Best Season: Late winter to spring
Busiest Season: Spring
Restrictions:
  • Aircraft/UAS/drone takeoffs and landings are prohibited at this site.
  • Equestrian use prohibited seasonally from October 1 to April 30 in the Coyote Wall area, and not allowed at all on the nearby Catherine Creek Loop Trail.
  • Mountain bikes should stay on designated trails and respect recently decommissioned side trails or areas under rehabilitation.
  • Dogs must be on leash December 1 - June 30.
  • Raptor Trail (near Catherine Creek, known as Ca1 during the planning process) is closed from February 1 to June 15 to protect breeding raptors and other sensitive wildlife and plants.
Closest Towns:
  • East of Bingen and White Salmon, WA and west of Lyle and Dallesport, WA.
  • Across the Columbia River from Hood River, Mosier, and The Dalles, OR.
Water: No
Restroom: Year round Vault Toilet
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

General Information

Directions:

Coyote Wall Trailhead:

From Bingen, WA travel east on Washington State Highway 14 approximately 3 miles to milepost 69.7, Courtney Road. The trailhead is just off the highway on the east side of Courtney road.  Please park in designated parking spots only and not along Courtney Road or Highway 14.

See also: Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead

Catherine Cr/Coyote Wall/Burdoin area trails


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

This area offers a network of 20+ miles that can be used to create a variety of routes. Entry is prohibited on private land below (west of) Coyote Wall. Note that mountain bikes are prohibited in several trails at nearby Catherine Creek. Dogs are required on leash from December 1 - June 30 in the Burdoin and Coyote Wall areas.

Status: Open

Areas for Mountain Biking at Coyote Wall Recreation Area

Day Hiking

A network of 20+ miles of trail provides a variety of options for day hiking. Entry is prohibited on private land below (west of) Coyote Wall. Dogs are required on leash from December 1 - June 30 in the Burdoin and Coyote Wall areas.

Status: Open

Areas for Day Hiking at Coyote Wall Recreation Area

Horse Riding

Horses are allowed from May 1 to November 30 on most trails in Coyote Wall.

Horses prohibited year round on Desert Parsley (formerly Co7), Raptor Trail (Ca1), Bitterroot (Ca2) and the nearby Catherine Creek Loop Trail (Ca4; not yet officially constructed).  

Status: Open

Areas for Horse Riding at Coyote Wall Recreation Area

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Highlights

Location

 
  Latitude : 
45.69999

  Longitude : 
-121.403214

  Elevation : 
100