Klickitat Trail – Lyle Trailhead

Are you looking for a family friendly trail, where your leashed pups are welcome?! How about one that runs along the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Klickitat River AND is situated in the Columbia River Gorge, the largest national scenic area in the Country!? Say hello to the Klickitat Trail, just a few miles from Bingen, WA.

The Klickitat Trail, with five distinct trailheads in all, follows an old railroad corridor that at one time linked the towns of Lyle and Goldendale. The 31 mile, one way stretch, welcomes hikers, cyclists and equestrians.

The beautiful canyon is full of oaks and pines and during the Springtime, an abundance of wildflowers. In the Winter, this area provides great birding opportunities and is a habitat for bald eagles taking advantage of the Winter salmon runs, and is open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing as well.

For an easy walk on a compact gravel trail, begin at the Lyle trailhead, where the Klickitat meets the Columbia River and follow along the first 1.6 miles to the Fisher Hill Bridge. This is the only ADA accessible trailhead and includes a bathroom and potable water.
If you continue after the bridge, you will begin to embark on the wild and scenic section of the trail. Be sure to watch for kayakers enjoying the whitewater.

The Klickitat Trail is a Washington State Park and is day use only. You will need a Discover Pass to park.

*Washington State Parks recently released a $1.5 million request for bids for trail upgrades in Swale Canyon. This work is scheduled to begin soon. SWALE CANYON WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL PUBLIC ACCESS DURING THIS PERIOD. Once work begins, which is anticipated for early to mid-June, this area will remain closed through the end of the year.

**This trail is a partnership between the Klickitat Trail Conservancy, Washington State Parks and the US Forest Service and is open year round from dawn to dusk.