Klickitat Rail Trail — Friday, Apr. 11, 2008

See the excellent primer on this trail written by Susan Saul in May 2003. I joined the Klickitat Trail Conservancy for a guided mtn bike tour from Harms Road trailhead to Lyle, 28.5 miles. April/May and October are the best times to try this ride, the weather is perfect, the colors are incredible, and it's not too hot. In fact, the Swale Canyon portion is closed in summer due to fire danger. No rattlesnakes seen yet but another rider did pick up a tick so watch out for those. We also saw several wild turkies. The portion from Harms Road trailhead (mile 28.5) to Wahkiacus trailhead (mile 16.0) goes downriver through the epic Swale Canyon. This portion is 12.5 miles long, of which the first 10 go through the beautiful canyon but the last 2.5 pass some shacks, trash and ""anti-social"" types - fortunately the trail in that portion is fast and you pass through quickly. There are no buildings or roads within the canyon, just you and the wilderness. The colors, flowers and smells are full this time of year. The trail itself is still an undeveloped, abandoned rail trail - hard and bumpy so you'll want as much suspension as possible on your bike. It's not technical, just a lot of bumps. This portion would make a wonderful one-way dayhike as well (camping not allowed). From Wahkiacus trailhead (mile 16.0) to Klickitat (mile 13.0) you need to follow Hwy 142, a bridge is out on the rail trail. Klickitat has several food options for lunch. From Klickitat (mile 13.0) to Pitt Trailhead (mile 10.0) you can take the trail but it's miserable, hard to follow, narrow in spots, a mud pit in spots, etc...it's better to stay on the highway for this portion. The portion from Pitt Trailhead (mile 10.0) to Fisher Hill bridge (mile 1.5) is another excellent dayhike option in either direction but most people start from the lower end at Fisher Hill bridge. This portion follows the Wild & Scenic - designated Klickitat River, on the opposite shore from the highway. Very scenic, colorful, lots of wildlife to watch. The trail here is still bumpy, wet in spots, but fun riding for the most part. The final section from Fisher Hill bridge (mile 1.5) to Lyle (mile 0.0) is a level gravel section suitable for anyone. Good milkshakes can be had at Full Throttle Espresso in Lyle to end a great day of riding or hiking. Feel free to email me with any questions (cookdoggie@msn.com), or for maps and detailed trail information check out the trail's website at www.klickitat-trail.org.