What is it?
The Klickitat Rail Trail is 31 miles of old railroad corridor that once linked the towns of Lyle and Goldendale in Washington. The trail begins in a remote part of the remarkably scenic Swale Canyon, and winds its way gently downstream towards the town of Lyle. The path concludes near the heart of the Columbia River Gorge where the Klickitat and Columbia Rivers meet.
Why Visit?
This spot in the Gorge offers Portlanders a different flavor. Most hikes in or around the city fall somewhere into the "lushly forested" category. The Swale Canyon however provides wide open spaces, rimrock cliffs, and rolling hillside forests of oak and ponderosa pine. Expect eastern Gorge wildflowers in March and May, to include balsamroot and lupine.
The difference in flora, of course, brings a difference in fauna. Rattlesnakes, gophers, and bald eagles are not uncommon here. In fact the area is a favorite for bird watchers, as well as fishermen.
The hike can be as long or as short as you choose to make it. There are a couple of good mileage landmarks to go by however. For an easy 4 mile 60 foot elevation gain hike, turn back at the third bridge, a long curving trestle. For a longer 8 mile 270 foot elevation gain hike, continue another 2 miles to a collection of bedrock pools that appear not long after the trail rounds a bend in the canyon.
Bear in mind that ticks are abundant, and so is sunshine. So take ample precautions for both. There is little to no shade, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen. The trail closes down June through October during fire season.
Get there:
Follow I-84 east to the Hood River Bridge, exit 64. Cross the river and turn right onto SR 14 and travel 14 miles to the town of Lyle. At the country cafe, turn left onto Centerville Highway. After 0.4 mile, fork left to stay on the main road. 14.5 miles later turn left on Harms, a small gravel road. After about a half a mile the trailhead will be on the left, just past a green metal bridge.
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
More information:
100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington by William L. Sullivan
Comments
I enjoyed your article. It's good to walk in an area where you can see for miles. I also liked the slideshow.
I have a friend who used to live in Portland. Wonder if she's been on this hike.
I think just the idea of the rail trail would make me want to go. I am very interested in seeing where things used to be, so I think that is cool.
I could look at your photos all day. I love the one that's just the green hill and sky. Simple yet gorgeous.
Beautiful and aerobic!
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