Klickitat Rail Trail

The Klickitat Rail Trail features oak and pine forests, wildflowers in spring and hiking most any time of the year. Photo by Susan Saul.

Location:  SW Washington, north of The Dalles
Distance:  31 miles - various entry points
Elevation:  gentle ups & downs
Maps: Online Klickitat Trail Conservancy maps

The Klickitat Rail Trail is a recent addition to Washington's rails-to-trails network, and is a fantastic destination for people seeking a great hike on the sunny side of the Cascades and Columbia River.

Thirty-one miles of railroad bed has now been converted for public use. Washington State Parks acquired the abandoned right-of-way in 1994, but it wasn't until 2003 that a local group - the Klickitat Trail Conservancy - started organizing hikes.  Now the rail trail is managed jointly by State Parks, the Forest Service and the Conservancy for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

The first 17 miles follows the nationally designated Wild & Scenic Klickitat River. This is a great area to see spring wildflowers, bald eagles and blue herons as you make your way up the Goldendale Plateau.

The trail then peels away and into Swale Creek Canyon for the final 14 miles.  Swale Canyon is remote and rugged - high desert country with oak and Ponderosa pine. This section is ideal for finding solitude.

Much of the property to either side of the trail is privately owned, so please stay on the trail. Dogs must be leashed and camping is not allowed. Be aware of ticks, rattlesnakes poison oak and goathead thorns (if you're biking). Also note that Swale Canyon is closed seasonally from July to September due to fire danger.