This is one of the premier areas for early spring wildflower viewing in the eastern Columbia River Gorge. The trailhead and parking is located on the north side of the county road, leading to a multi-use biker/hiker/equestrian trail.
Visitors can carefully cross the county road to reach the south side Catherine Creek Trail #4400, an accessible one mile paved trail with views of the Columbia River. Be aware that individuals with disabilities may need some assistance.
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Grasswidow in Catherine Creek area. Photo by Darryl Lloyd.
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Darryl Lloyd
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Darryl Lloyd
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Falls on lower Catherine Creek. Photo by Darryl Lloyd
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Catherine Creek Coyote Burdoin Map
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Coyote Burdoin Catherine Creek Map
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Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail
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Catherine Creek Grass Widows
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At a Glance
Current Conditions:
Expect snow and ice. Dogs must be on leash in the Catherine Creek trail corridor year round.
Fees
No Fee
Open Season:
Year-round
Usage:
Medium-Heavy
Restrictions:
Dogs on leash in Catherine Creek planning area year round. Dogs on leash in Coyote/Bourdian planning areas December 1st through June 30th. Horses may use Coyote/Bourdian planning areas May 1st through November 30th. Horse party size can't exceed 8 horses. Catherine Creek planning area closed to mountain bikes. Mountain bikes and horses must stay on designated trails.
Closest Towns:
Bingen, WA; Lyle, WA
Water:
No
Restroom:
Yes, Mid January - early June accessible portable toilet.
From Bingen, WA: Travel east on Washington State Highway 14 approximately 4.6 miles to mile post 71 and the junction with Old Highway 8 (County Road 1230) on the left. Turn left onto County Road 1230 at Rowland Lake and follow it 1.4 miles to the Catherine Creek parking lot on the north side of the road.
From Lyle, WA: Travel west on Washington State Highway 14 approximately 1/4 mile and take a right onto Old Hwy 8 (County Road 1230). It is an immediate right after crossing the Klickitat River. Follow Old Hwy 8 for approximately 4.8 miles to the Catherine Creek parking lot on the north side of the road.
Parking:
Parking is undeveloped gravel on the county right of way. Please park in an organized manner and do not park so that any part of your vehicle blocks others or impedes the flow of traffic.
A short, paved path that allows users to experience the lesser used eastern portion of the Gorge. A more extensive and rugged trail system exists on the north side of Old Highway 8.
A natural rock arch is located on the north side of Old Highway 8, along the trail that travels to the east. Please respect the arch by not hiking up to it or through it, as it is of cultural importance to the local Native American tribes.
Over ninety species of wildflowers can be found in the area from Grass widow which blankets the ground as early as February to Western Ladies Tresses that may bloom into July. Please protect the sensitive soils and plants by staying on existing trails!