Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
This loop hike begins with Coyote Wall towering above you as you walk down an abandoned highway. Coyote Wall is a 200-foot cliff of columnar basalt that was formed as the ancient Missoula floods swept through the Columbia River Basin.
Begin by parking at the Coyote Wall Trailhead near the intersection of Courtney Road and Highway 14. From the parking area head east on the old, abandoned pavement as it scoots around the cliff. Near the parking area is a trail heading straight uphill; skip this and continue on the flat section of road for a half mile.
After that half-mile, arrive at a dirt trail to your left. This dirt track is the "Old Ranch Road". Follow it as it switches back uphill (avoiding the many user-created shortcuts). Shortly after the first switchback turn, you will come to a trail junction. Keep to the left and continue uphill on the "Old Ranch Road". After going over two areas of exposed bedrock, you will come to a second trail junction. Again, go to the left and continue uphill 0.3 miles until you come to the Little Moab Trail (CO3). There are some particularly nice views of the Columbia River through this section, so have your camera ready.
When you come to the junction with the Little Moab trail, go to the left and follow the trail towards the top of Coyote Wall. This part of the hike may bring out your inner child as you wind through grassy mounds, climb up exposed bedrock, and skirt rocky outcroppings.
Through this next section, you may be tempted to head straight uphill. Stick to the switchbacks; the trail heading straight uphill is bad for the landscape because it causes erosion and washes away the soil, making it hard for plants to grow.
In 0.3 miles, you will come to your first view of Coyote Wall from the top and another trail junction. Stay left and follow the Little Moab Trail along the upper edge of Coyote Wall where you will have multiple opportunities to view the rocky cliffs that make the wall. After 0.4 miles, the trail breaks out into an open grassy area and comes to the intersection with an old jeep road (CO4) just downhill from a photo-ready barbwire fence. You will turn left on the old jeep road. Near here, views of the Coyote Wall, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge make this a good spot for a break.
After enjoying the view, go back through the fence and follow the old jeep road east 0.2 miles to the Little Maui trail (CO3). At this junction, the jeep road takes a sharp turn to the right while the Little Maui trail takes off to the left. Go left and begin your descent down the Little Maui trail. The first part of the trail follows a serpentine path through grassy plateaus dotted with solitary white oaks. You can see the hills and rocky outcroppings above Labyrinth Creek to the east, the Columbia River to the south, and wildflower during the spring. The second part of the trail takes you along a stream with small cascading waterfalls.
In 0.9 miles, you will come to a junction with a trail going to the left. Keep going straight to stay on the Little Maui Trail. After another 0.1 miles the Little Maui trail joins the "Old Ranch Road". Turn left and follow the road downhill. Near the bottom you will encounter a maze of trails with several options for returning to the old highway. Keep on an established trail and watch out for mountain bikers. After reaching the old highway, turn right to return to your car.
CAUTION
You may encounter poison oak on this hike. Know what it looks like and watch what you touch.
WTA Pro Tip: A perfect way to end your Coyote Wall experience is to stop in Stevenson for a snack or dinner at the Walking Man Brewery or the Big River Grill. The Walking Man Brewery serves a wide variety of their own brews along with sandwiches and gourmet pizzas (these are especially good).
Plus, the outdoor seating area allows you to continue your commune with nature. Be sure to check out the décor of the restrooms. If you’d like a more upscale dining experience, go to the Big River Grill which features Northwest Cuisine using fresh local ingredients. With its license plate collection and Columbia River sturgeon mermaid, the food is Portland-good and the atmosphere roadhouse quirky.
Trailhead
