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KTC-sponsored events are open to both members and nonmembers. Most of our events are scheduled for the first Saturday and the third Sunday of each month. We ask that you do not bring pets on our events, or smoke. It is very important to stay on the Trail right-of-way, as there is private land adjacent to the Trail in many sections. The Trail is almost flat, but being an old railbed, it is often rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. Please bring water, food, hats, coats, and sunscreen as appropriate.
The Lyle Trailhead is located at the west end of Lyle, WA, on the corner of SR-14 and SR-142. Look for the Klickitat Trail sign. (From Portland, take I-84 east to the Hood River Bridge. Cross into Washington and turn east on SR-14 to Lyle. Froom The Dalles, cross The Dalles Bridge and turn west on SR-14 to Lyle.) There is a portable toilet at this location.
Klickitat Railroad Park is located in the town of Klickitat just north of the Canyon Market. From SR-14 near the town of Lyle, head north on SR-142 for 13.5 miles.
Pitt Trailhead is located 10 miles north of Lyle on SR-142.
Harms Road Trailhead is located just off the Lyle-Centerville Hwy. From downtown Lyle, take the Lyle-Centerville Hwy. Head n orth for approximately 15 miles. Turn left on Hards Rd. Drive north one-half mile and park just north of the bridge. A portable toilet at this location is available throughout the Spring and early Summer.
Refer to the Map section for more details about trailheads and parking. |
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| Spring 2008 KTC Events Schedule |
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January 5, 2008, Saturday
Eagle Spotting at Balfour
Hike Leader: Wildlife Biologist Cathy Flick
Experience an educational winter field outing for eagles at Balfour-Klickitat Day Use Park in Lyle. Cathy Flick will bring a spotting scope, give a life-history overview, and introduce you to specific year-round pairs in the area. Balfour-Klickitat has a paved trail, suitable for wheelchair access. Part of the outing will involve a short walk in a grassy area. Bring binoculars and dress warmly. There are toilet facilities at the Park.
Meeting Place: 10:00 AM at Klickitat-Balfour Day Use Park. Access from SR-14, heading east, just before the Klickitat River turn left (north) onto Old Hwy. 8. Follow for approximately 1/4 mile to the parking lot on the east side of the road.
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Eagle Spotting at Balfour/Klickitat Park, January 5, 2008, by Donna Enz
From Balfour/Klickitat park or the Klickitat Trail eagle viewing is a must in January. So with typical January weather in the forecast we were armed with umbrellas and rain parkas. Just in time the skies parted and the weather cooperated. Our eager group was armed with binoculars and spotting scopes and all eyes were focused. The eagles did not disappoint. We counted 20 or more at the mouth of the Klickitat River, another 20 or more soaring above the cove. Eight in this tree, four in another. On and on the counting continued. The eagles were everywhere. In addition we saw a flock of turkeys and a
deer right behind us. Salmon were making there way up the small tributary that leads into the pond area. And we learned many new and interesting facts. How long do eagles live? How many feathers does an eagle have? How heavy is an eagles nest? We also learned there will be changes to the viewing areas. To prevent disturbing the eagles the Forest Service has decided to make the cove area off limits until the end of March. They are also in the process of creating blinds for birders to use which will be “bird friendly”. Cathy Flick gave 22 of us a memorable and informative morning. Yes, Cathy, “birds rule”! We will be back.
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March 15, 2008, Saturday
Wildflower Hike (Held jointly with Friends of the Gorge)
Hike Leader: Barbara Robinson
Length about 6 miles. Altitude gain 200 ft. Wildflower expert Barbara Robinson will lead the first part of this wildflower hike at Catherine Creek. The second part of the hike will move to the Klickitat Trail between Lyle and Fsher Hill Bridge. The surfaces on both these hikes is gentle.
Meeting Place: 10:00 AM at Catherine Creek Trailhead on Old Hwy. 8 west of Lyle. From Hood River Bridge, take SR-14 east 5.8 miles to Old Hwy 8, turn left, and continue 1 mile to the Trailhead. |
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March 23, 2008, Easter Sunday
Upper Swale Canyon (Held jointly with Friends of the Gorge)
Hike Leaders: Donna Enz and Sara Wu
Moderate: 7 miles round trip, 300-ft. elev. gain. This is a moderately paced early wildflower hike along Swale Creek in the eastern Gorge. Look for desert parsleys and rare buttercups on this occasionally rocky trail. If the weather is bad or Spring is late, we may switch to a lower elevation hike.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. Actual start of hike is 15 miles north of meeting place at the Harms Road Trailhead. We will carpool. |
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March 30, 2008, Sunday, 9:00 A.M.
Work Party: Pitt to Fisher Hill Bridge
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead at 9:00 AM, right across SR14 from the former Coltland Realty building on the west end of Lyle, Washington.
The latest weather report shows highs around 50 and a 20% chance of showers. Plans are to start at Pitt and work down stream to Fisher Hill Bridge, but if the weather looks threatening we can alter our plans and do a short in and out from Pitt or maybe head up to Wahkiacus and work on that section as it is much shorter. Everyone should bring suitable clothing for the season. The weather can go from sun to hail or snow in a matter of seconds.
We will walk the trail from Pitt to Fisher Hill Bridge assessing its condition and doing pruning, rock rolling, and other minor work along the way. Jim has specifically chosen a "weekend" work party in the hopes of seeing a few new happy faces, hopefully we will get some. Bring loppers and gloves, if you have them.
Questions? Call Jim Denton at 541-354-1604. |
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April 12, 2008, Saturday
Klickitat Trail Bike Ride (Held jointly with Friends of the Gorge)
Bike Leaders: Bob Hansen and Donna Enz
Moderate/Strenuous: 13-31 miles (your choice), 1,000-ft. elev. LOSS. Ride from the high prairie of the Goldendale plateau down to the Columbia River with Klickitat Trail Conservancy's first president Bob Hansen. Experience oak, pine and Douglas fir riparian habitats. Helmets, a spare tube and front suspension required; rear suspension recommended, and fenders worthy of your consideration.
Please contact Bob Hansen at 509-637-2736, or by email at bobhansen@gorge.net if you plan to participate so that appropriate shuttle arrangements can be made in advance. $10 shuttle fee.
Meeting Place: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. |
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April 12, 2008, Saturday
Hike Wahkiacus to Suburbia (5 miles round trip or 2 miles if the weather is bad) and Catherine Creek (1-1/2 miles) (Held jointly with Trails Club of Oregon)
Hike Leaders: Barbara Robinson and Susan Saul
Wildflower expert Barbara Robinson and Trails Club of Oregon President Susan Saul will take you along the Klickitat River in the first part of this joint hike with the Trails Club of Oregon. This is a lovely and historically interesting stretch of the Klickitat Trail, which in one mile gets us to an old Dry Ice Plant and mineral springs. If the weather permits, we'll continue south along the river to the washed-out Suburbia trestle. For the second part of the hike, we will move to Catherine Creek, one of the premier wildflower viewing areas in the Gorge. This hike is timed for the peak of the camas bloom.
Meeting Place: 9:15 AM at the Klickitat Railroad Park in Klickitat.. |
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April 20, 2008, Sunday
Hike Fisher Hill Bridge to Pitt (Held jointly with Friends of the Gorge)
Hike Leaders: Bev Linde and Dave Berger
8 miles, rocky in places. This very scenic route along exciting stretches of the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River. This will be at wildflower peak, with yellow balsam root, purple lupine, and much more.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. |
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April 27, 2008, Sunday
Swale Canyon
Hike Leaders: Jim Denton and Bev Linde
13 miles, heavy railroad gravel in sections. There is no access to this section of trail except at the beginning and end, so come prepared. About 6-1/2 hours. This is a one-way hike through remote and beautiful Swale Canyon. Early flowers should be at peak. Experience miles of yellow, fragrant desert parsley in full bloom. The trail is railroad ballast in places, so wear sturdy boots.
Meeting Place: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. This hike will involve a car shuttle on gravel roads. |
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May 15, 2008, Thursday
Fisher Hill to Pitt (Held jointly with Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation)
Hike Leaders: Donna Enz and Susan Saul
8 miles, rocky in places. Hike along this Wild & Scenic designated section of the Klickitat River and see Native American dip net fishing at the "Narrows" section of the river. May is an excellent time for wildflowers. This is a one-way hike. We will car shuttle back to parking area.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. |
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May 24, 2008, Saturday
Swale Canyon
Hike Leaders: Jim Denton and Pam Essley
13 miles, heavy rail ballast in sections. Moderate pace. About 6-1/2 hours. If you missed the April hike, here's your second chance to hike beautiful and remote Swale Canyon before it closes for fire season (usually around mid-June). We do a car shuttle (involving gravel roads) so that we can hike one way. Remember, there is no way out except the beginning and end, so be in shape and come prepared. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, food, and a hat.
Meeting Place: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. |
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June 7, 2008, Saturday
National Trails Day
Hike Leaders: Laura Bales, Cheryl Steindorf, and Laurie Wilhite
Our last hike of the season. This is a very scenic stretch of the trail that follows the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River the entire way. Depending on the weather, this will either be a one way 3-mile hike, or a roundtrip 6-mile hike. Bring lunch and water. Parts of the trail are rocky so hiking boots or sturdy shoes are advised.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at the Lyle Trailhead, or at 10:00 AM at the Pitt Trailhead. |
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| Spring 2007 KTC Events Calendar |
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February 18, 2007, Sunday
Planting trees in the washout area below Pitt
According to Jim Denton, Works Chairperson: "Everything should be a go for doing plantings at the washout two miles below Pitt this coming Sunday, February 18th. We will be planting trees and forbs in order to hopefully slow the rail bank erosion that is occurring in the area. Trail volunteers will need to bring gloves and wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions. The long term weather forecast is showing highs of 50-55°F with a slight chance of rain."
Bring shovels, digging bars, and picks. Everyone should bring gloves and sturdy warm clothing. Also bring water and a lunch. Jim will try to post an update Friday on the email listserv that will include a weather report.
Meeting Place: Main parking area at Pitt, across from Harold's house at 9:00 AM.
Questions? Call Jim Denton at 541-354-1604.
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March 10, Saturday
Old Dry Ice Plant and Mineral Springs Hike, 2-5 miles
Hike Leaders: Cheryl Steindorf and Pam Essley
This is a lovely and historically interesting stretch of trail which in a mile gets us to an old Dry Ice Plant and mineral springs. If the weather permits, we’ll continue south along the river to the Suburbia trestle. Five miles round trip (or 2 miles if the weather is bad). Parts of the trail are quite rocky, so wear good boots.
Meeting Place: Meet in downtown Klickitat, 13 miles north of Lyle on Hwy 142, at 10:00am. In Klickitat, go north past a brick building and a closed food market on the left, and park on the left just after the food market. (You will see a gas station a little north of the parking area on the right.) |
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March 25, Sunday
Upper Swale Canyon Hike, 7 miles
Hike Leaders: Donna Enz and Pam Essley
Moderate: 7 miles round trip, 300-ft. elev. gain
This is a moderately paced early wildflower hike along Swale Creek in the eastern Gorge. Look for desert parsleys and rare buttercups on this occasionally rocky trail. If the weather is bad or the spring is late, we may switch to a lower elevation hike.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at Lyle Trailhead (Take WA Hwy 14 east from Hood River Bridge; turn right and continue east on WA SR-14. After crossing the Klickitat bridge in Lyle, park on north side of road across from Greg Colt Realty. Actual start of hike is 15 miles north of second meeting place. We will carpool to it. |
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April 1, Sunday
Swale Canyon Bike Ride, jointly with Friends of the Gorge
Leader: Bob Hansen
Mod/Strenuous: 8-31 miles (your choice), 1,000-ft. elev. LOSS
Ride from the high prairie of the Goldendale plateau down to the Columbia River with Klickitat Trail Conservancy’s first president Bob Hansen, through oak, pine and Douglas fir riparian habitats. Helmets, a spare tube and front suspension required; rear suspension recommended, and fenders worthy of your consideration. Please contact Bob Hansen at 509-637-2736, or by e-mail at bobhansen@gorge.net, if you plan to participate so that appropriate shuttle arrangements can be made in advance.
Meeting Place: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead (Take I-84 East to Hood River Bridge, cross bridge and continue east on WA Hwy 14, to Lyle. Meet at junction of WA Hwy 14 and Hwy 142 in Lyle. $10 shuttle fee). |
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April 1, Sunday
Fisher Hill Bridge to Pitt Hike, 8 miles
Leaders: Bev Linde and Laurie Wilhite
Moderate: 8 miles, 100-ft. elev. gain
This is a beautiful hike along the wild Klickitat River, with excellent flowers and birding.. Yellow and purple parsleys line the canyon walls along this fairly level old rail-bed trail.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at the Lyle Trailhead (Take WA SR-14 east from Hood River Bridge and continue to Lyle. Meet where WA Hwy 14 intersects Hwy 142 in Lyle). |
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April 7, Saturday
Birding Walk, starting at Harms Rd. and going east toward Warwick
Leader: Stuart Johnston
This is a hike for serious (or would-be serious) birders. Expect to stand still looking and listening as much as walking. Bring warm cloths and binoculars. We’re hoping to see Long-billed Curlews and hear Vesper Sparrows, as well as much more.
First Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead (Junction of Hwy 14 and 142) at 7:00 am
Second Meeting Place: Harms Rd. Trailhead at 7:30am at the Harms Rd trailhead. (Take the Lyle-Centerville Hwy. 15 miles, left on Harms Rd. ½ mile, Park just north of bridge. |
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April 15, Sunday
Swale Canyon, 13 miles
Leaders: Jim Denton and Dave Berger
Swale Canyon, 13 miles, heavy railroad gravel in sections. There is no access to this section of trail except at the beginning and end, so come prepared. About 6 ½ hours.
This is a one way hike through remote and beautiful Swale Canyon. Early flowers should be at peak. The trail is railroad gravel in places, so wear sturdy boots. This hike will involve a car shuttle on gravel roads.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead (Junction of Hwy. 14 and 142) at 9:00 AM |
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April 28, Saturday
Fisher Hill Bridge to Pitt Hike, 8 miles
Leaders: Jim Minick and Cheryl Steindorf
Click here to see photos of this hike.
This very scenic route along exciting stretches of the Klickitat River will be at wildflower peak, with yellow balsam root, purple lupine, and much more. Rocky in places, so wear good shoes.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead (Junction of Hwy 14 and 142) at 9:30 AM |
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May 5, Saturday
Swale Canyon Wildflower Hike, 6 miles
Leaders: Donna Enz and Pam Essley
This will be a very easygoing educational hike along Swale Creek, focusing on wildflowers and the ecology of the area. If the flowers are better elsewhere another trail location may be substituted. (Flower timing is different every year.) We will be walking about 6 miles round trip. This hike is rocky in places, so please wear sturdy shoes.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead (Junction of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 142), 9:30 AM |
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May 19, Saturday
Swale Canyon, 13 miles
Leader: Jim Minick
If you missed the April hike, here’s your second chance to hike beautiful and remote Swale Canyon before it is closed for fire season. (Usually around June 15) We do a car shuttle (involving gravel roads) so that we can hike one way. Remember, there is no way out except the beginning and end, so be in shape and come prepared. Heavy rail ballast in sections, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Approximately 6-1/2 hour hike.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead (Junction of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 142), 8:30 AM |
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June 2, Saturday, National Trails Day
Fisher Hill Bridge to Pitt Hike, 8 miles
Leaders: Jim Denton and Dave Berger
This very scenic hike along the Klickitat will be our last hike for the spring season. The trail is rocky in places, so wear sturdy shoes. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat because it can be quite hot at this time of year.
Note: There is a possibility of bridge work at both the upper and lower ends of the Swale Canyon Hike which may force a change in plans for Swale hiking. Also, we did not schedule hikes on the Lyle to Fisher Hill trail section because (we hope) there will be Spring work on this section to improve the trail surface. Check the KTC website near the time of the hike for updates to the hiking schedule.
Meeting Place: Lyle Trailhead (Junction of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 142), 8:30 AM (early, to beat the heat). |
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June 10, Sunday
Hike and Trash Pick-Up from Pitt to Klickitat, 4 miles
Leaders: Cheryl Steindorf and Pam Essley
Here's your chance to see some very scenic stretches of the Klickitat River north of Pitt, and help us pick up trash in some areas that are next to the road, creating special litter problems. This hike is flat, but rocky in places. There will be a car shuttle so we can go one way. Bring gloves.
Meeting Place & Time: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead, or 9:30 AM at the Pitt Trailhead. |
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October 6, 2007, Saturday
5th Year Anniversary Celebration!
Lyle to Fisher Hill Bridge (Held jointly with Friends of the Columbia Gorge)
Hike Leaders: Jim Minick, Dave Berger, and Barbara Robinson
Click here to see photos of this hike.
Join KTC members for our 5th anniversary hike. Starting at the Lyle Trailhead and ending at Fisher Hill Bridge, we will follow the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River on this easy 4-mile round trip hike. This section of the trail has been resurfaced for a smooth and easy walk. For those more adventurous, the hike will continue to Pitt, which will make it a 10-mile hike. Water, a snack, and hiking boots advised.
Meeting Place: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. |
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October 6, 2007, Saturday
5th Year Anniversary Trail Bike Ride
Leader: Bob Hansen
Moderate/Strenuous: 12 to 15 miles, depending on whether you want to stop at Wahkiacus or Klickitat. 1,000 ft. elevation LOSS.
Ride from the high prairie of the Goldendale plateau down to the Klickitat River or the community of Klickitat with KTC's first president, Bob Hansen. Experience oak, pine, and Douglas fir riparian habitats. Helmets, spare tube, and front suspension required.
Contact Bob Hansen at 509-637-2736, or email at bobhansen@gorge.net if you plan to participate so that appropriate shuttle arrangements can be made in advance.
Meeting Place: 9:00 AM at the Lyle Trailhead ($10 shuttle fee). |
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October 13, 2007, Saturday
Wahkiacus to Suburbia
Hike Leaders: Barbara Robinson & Pam Essley
5 Miles round trip (or 2 miles if the weather is bad)
Click here to see photos of this hike.
This is a lovely and historically interesting stretch of trail which in one mile gets us to an old dry ice plant and mineral springs. If the weather permits, we'll continue south along the river to the Suburbia trestle. Bring water and a snack. Parts of the trail are quite rocky, so wear good boots.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM at the Lyle Trailhead. |
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October 28, 2007, Sunday
Pitt to Klickitat
Hike Leaders: Cheryl Steindorf, Laura Bales & Laurie Wilhite
This part of the trail follows the Klickitat River the entire way. Come and enjoy the fall colors. Depending on the weather, this will either be a one-way 3-mile hike or a roundtrip 6-mile hike. Bring lunch and water. Parts of the trail are rocky, so hiking boots are advised.
Meeting Place: 9:30 AM the Lyle Trailhead, or 10:00 AM at Pitt. |
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