Klickitat State Park Trail

Klickitat State Park Trail: Wild and Scenic River Adventure on Historic Railroad Corridor

Klickitat State Park Trail offers an extraordinary 31-mile journey through Columbia River Gorge country along the nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Klickitat River, where the converted Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway corridor provides gentle grades through dramatic canyons, oak and pine forests, and golden high-desert landscapes. This spectacular rails-to-trails conversion from Lyle to the Goldendale plateau showcases early spring wildflowers, excellent bird watching opportunities including winter bald eagle habitat, and unique access to remote Swale Canyon’s carved gorges and interesting geological formations.

Klickitat State Park Trail Fast Facts

Park Overview

Klickitat State Park Trail stands as one of Washington’s most spectacular long-distance rail-to-trails conversions, where the historic Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway’s abandoned corridor has been transformed into a premier multi-use recreation destination. The trail’s unique setting along the nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Klickitat River provides constantly changing scenery from Columbia River views to remote tributary canyons, with the dramatic Swale Canyon section offering some of the most spectacular carved gorge landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

The trail’s cooperative management between Washington State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, and Klickitat Trail Conservancy since 2003 ensures excellent maintenance and stewardship of this remarkable resource. From early spring wildflowers beginning in February to winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the trail provides year-round recreation opportunities while preserving the rich railroad heritage that once connected lumber mills and passenger service between Portland and Goldendale.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Klickitat State Park Trail provides essential facilities at the primary Lyle Trailhead, featuring ADA-accessible parking, restrooms, potable water, and improved trail surface for the first 1.5 miles to Fisher Hill Trestle. The renovated railway trestle with new decking provides a highlight early in the journey. Remote trailheads at Pitt, Klickitat, Wahkiacus, and Harms Road offer basic parking with limited or no services.

The Pitt Trailhead doubles as a popular drift boat takeout during salmon and steelhead seasons, while the historic Klickitat Trailhead features an old caboose marking the former railroad siding location. Cell phone reception is extremely limited throughout most of the trail system, requiring visitors to be well-prepared with water, snacks, and emergency supplies for extended adventures.

Camping & Accommodations

Klickitat State Park Trail operates as a day-use facility with no camping available directly on the trail. The nearest camping option is Mineral Springs Campground, a Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife primitive site located outside Klickitat, 15.5 miles from the Lyle Trailhead, offering vault toilets and river water access. Alternative overnight accommodations can be found in nearby communities or at other Columbia River Gorge area parks.

Planning Your Visit

Located at 9 State Hwy 142 in Lyle, Klickitat State Park Trail operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to dusk year-round. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use, available at trailheads or online. The trail offers flexible planning options from short 3.2-mile round trips to Fisher Hill Trestle to full 31-mile one-way adventures or even 43-mile loop combinations using Centerville Highway.

Swale Canyon typically closes during high fire danger periods from July through early October, limiting access to the trail’s most spectacular section during peak fire season. Bridge washouts near Klickitat currently create gaps in trail continuity, requiring careful route planning. Winter visitors should prepare for potential ice conditions and bring ice cleats for safety on the ungroomed trail surface.

What to Bring & Know

• Pack all water and food supplies as most trailheads lack services and cell reception is extremely limited
• Bring layered clothing for temperature variations between river level and canyon sections
• Watch for rattlesnakes, poison oak, and ticks, especially during warmer months
• Plan adequate time to return before dusk, allowing extra time for photography and wildlife viewing
• Consider shuttle arrangements for one-way hiking or cycling between the five trailhead access points
• Check current fire danger levels before planning Swale Canyon adventures during summer months

Final Word

Klickitat State Park Trail delivers an unparalleled journey through Wild and Scenic River country where railroad heritage, dramatic canyon landscapes, and diverse wildlife create one of Washington’s most spectacular and historically significant long-distance trail experiences.

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Klickitat State Park Trail offers 31 miles of Wild and Scenic River hiking and biking on historic railroad. Columbia River Gorge views, Swale Canyon, and gentle grades from Lyle.

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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.

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