| Following these guidelines will help take care of the Trail, help reduce hassles that you might have, and will greatly increase the respect afforded to those of us who use the Trail, as well as adjacent property owners.
 Please remember that KTC does not allow smoking or pets on KTC-sponsored outings.
There is a lot of poison oak along the edges of the Trail, and there are plenty of ticks and some rattlesnakes. Ticks are common all over the Gorge. Even parts of the Hood River area have ticks. Hikers need to be aware and vigilant about checking themselves. For your information, here are a couple informational links about Lyme Disease:
Information brochure:
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/LymeRPrimer.pdf
Lyme disease symptom checklist:
http://www.nclyme.org/questionnaire.html
Protect your dog!! Use that leash!! If you are hiking on your own, please be aware that Washington State Parks rules clearly state pets must be on a leash at all times.
Washington Administrative Code 352-32-060:
Pets.
(1) All pets or domestic animals must be kept under physical control, on a leash no greater than eight feet in length, or otherwise physically restrained, at all times while in a state park area.
(2) Pets and domestic animals may not be allowed to dig or otherwise disturb or damage the natural or cultural features of any state park area.
(3) In any state park area, pets or domestic animals, except for assistance dogs for persons with disabilities, are not permitted on any designated swimming beach; within a natural area preserve; during the skiing season on any designated alpine ski site or cross country ski trail in which the track has been prepared, set, or groomed; or in any public building unless so posted.
(4) In any state park area, pets or domestic animals, except for assistance dogs for persons with disabilities, may be prohibited for the protection of wildlife, sensitive natural systems, special cultural areas, or for other purposes, if approved by the director or designee and so posted.
(5) No person shall allow his /her pet or domestic animal to bite or in any way molest or annoy other park visitors. No person shall permit his /her pet or domestic animal to bark or otherwise disturb the peace and tranquillity of the park.
(6) Any person bringing a pet or domestic animal into a state park area shall dispose of animal feces in a plastic or paper sack. The sack shall then be deposited in a solid waste container.
(7) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
(8) This section shall not apply to the recreational use of horses, llamas, sled dogs, or similar animals as authorized by WAC 352-32-070.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 79A.05 RCW, including RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, and 79A.05.070. 00-13-070, § 352-32-060, filed 6/16/00, effective 7/17/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040(1), [43.51.]045, [43.51.]050,[43.51.]060 (1), [43.51.]061 and [43.51.]395. 96-01-078, § 352-32-060, filed 12/18/95, effective 1/18/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040 and 43.51.180(7). 92-19-098, § 352-32-060, filed 9/17/92, effective 10/18/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040. 86-20-020 (Order 96), § 352-32-060, filed 9/22/86; 82-12-008 (Order 61), § 352-32-060, filed 5/21/82; Order 9, § 352-32-060, filed 11/24/70.]
No littering, removing, or disturbing plant life or other natural or historic resources.
No camping, hunting or building of fires allowed.
If you encounter harassing property owners, remain calm. Note carefully where and when the incident is occurring and try to get any identification of the person. State clearly that Washington State Parks owns the property, and has given permission for the public to use it. Avoid arguments and proceed on your way, unless it does not feel safe to do so. As soon as you can, report the incident to the Klickitat County Sheriff's office at (509) 773-4545 or (509) 773-4547.
Please stay on the rail bed. That is your only assurance that you are not trespassing. The Trail gives no one any right to go onto adjacent property whatsoever. There are port-a-johns at Lyle, Pitt, and Wahkiakus. One is also maintained at Harms Rd., but only on a seasonal basis. Please make other arrangements at other locations.
Help us protect wildlife inhabitants, flora, and fauna within the right of way by remembering the Trail is not a pet exercise area. For instance, there are ground nesting birds, and certainly, there is going to be a new born fawn "hiding" somewhere out there in the high grass.
It would help the Klickitat Trail Conservancy monitor the Trail if you would please take a few minutes and complete a trail monitoring form of your hike or biking experience, even if you encountered no problems.
Be aware of flood waters and be careful not to slip into the Big River.
Be careful of the cattle between Pitt and Fisher Hill Bridge.
Please leave any gates opened or closed, just as you find them.
Pack for safety. Please be prepared for your trail adventures! Bring your own first aid kit and individualize it for personal health concerns such as allergies or prescriptions. See page 5 of Spring KTC Trail Notes for first aid kit suggestions.
Please pick up any litter that you see.
Pass our name on to others you meet on the Trail so our direct support base can grow.
Due to its remoteness and lack of communication services, it is not recommended to travel the beautiful Swale Canyon section of the trail alone. Cell phones do not work in this area.
ALWAYS BRING WATER.
Note: You use the Klickitat Trail at your own risk
Please use the KTC trail monitoring form to give us feedback about the trail. |
