Klickitat Trail Conservancy -- Biking the Klickitat Trail

Biking the trail can be an exhilarating experience. The scenery is incredible, but in some places the trail is also incredibly rough. Following some biking tips will greatly enhance your biking experience on the Klickitat Trail. For more handy tips and general information for having a fun ride, see Bob Hansen's article, "Mountain Biking the Klickitat Trail."



Biking Tips for the Klickitat Trail Expect to take 3 to 5 hours to bike the entire trail. Front suspension for your bike is recommended. Carry at least 3 liters of water on a hot day. You can refill water bottles in the town of Klickitat. Slime in your inner tubes will help prevent flats. Carry a tire repair kit. The yellow-star thistle burrs, a.k.a. goat’s head, are notorious for puncturing tires. Bikers need to exit the trail at Schilling Road, and re-connect in the town of Klickitat via SR 142. See Trail Descriptions for details. Carry extra food, sun screen and a first aid kit. Beware of ticks, poison oak and rattlesnakes. Lime Disease is in the area, check for ticks! There is currently no predictable cell phone coverage on the trail, especially in remote Swale Canyon. The only way in or out of Swale Canyon is at the trailheads. Stay on the trail. Private property abuts the trail in most places. Swale Canyon is closed seasonally due to fire danger, usually mid-June to mid-October. Check the KTC web site for updates.