
Klickitat River Trail Lyle
A 31-mile scenic corridor following the Klickitat River through a gorgeous canyon, offering well-maintained gravel paths and wilder sections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers bloom, fewer crowds

Klickitat River Trail Lyle
Best Time
Flowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 31-mile scenic corridor following the Klickitat River through a gorgeous canyon, offering well-maintained gravel paths and wilder sections.
"Beautiful, gorgeous and breathtakingly stunningly amazingly majestically wonderful!!!"

🚗 Parking at Lyle Trailhead
Great parking available at the Lyle trailhead, with restrooms. About 0.6 miles to the county park .
🐎 Horse Riding Gear
If riding horses, definitely recommend boots or pads for their feet due to the rough gravel .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Klickitat River Canyon
Follows the Klickitat River north from Lyle
A 31-mile scenic corridor through a gorgeous canyon, following the Klickitat River.

Native American Fishing Platforms
Visible along the river near Lyle
See ancient fishing platforms carved into basalt rock along the wild river.

Spring Wildflowers
Throughout the trail
Experience an abundance of various flowers blooming along the trail in spring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Best Access
Respecting the River & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking at Lyle Trailhead
Great parking available at the Lyle trailhead, with restrooms. About 0.6 miles to the county park.
🐎 Horse Riding Gear
If riding horses, definitely recommend boots or pads for their feet due to the rough gravel.
⚠️ Avoid Fisher Hill Bridge
Community members advise avoiding the Fisher Hill Bridge area due to unsavory individuals and aggressive dogs.
🚶♀️ Easy Walks & Biking
The Lyle section is mellow, flat, and well-maintained gravel, perfect for leisurely walks and biking.
Flattish forest run recommendations near Portland?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking at Lyle Trailhead
Great parking available at the Lyle trailhead, with restrooms. About 0.6 miles to the county park.
🐎 Horse Riding Gear
If riding horses, definitely recommend boots or pads for their feet due to the rough gravel.
⚠️ Avoid Fisher Hill Bridge
Community members advise avoiding the Fisher Hill Bridge area due to unsavory individuals and aggressive dogs.
🚶♀️ Easy Walks & Biking
The Lyle section is mellow, flat, and well-maintained gravel, perfect for leisurely walks and biking.
🌿 Embrace the Nature
Enjoy the zero-car environment and listen to the river. It's a simple but favorite route for many.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Klickitat River Trail's stunning canyon scenery and the peaceful, car-free environment, especially the well-maintained gravel path near Lyle. While some sections are rougher, the natural beauty and accessibility for walking and biking are consistently praised. Some caution is advised regarding ticks in spring and specific areas to avoid.
"Great parking lot, just about 6/10 of a mile to the county park and 1 mile to the bridge with not much scenery but trees and a road in between. Clean restrooms.
At that 6/10 mile mark you do get this view, but you could just drive to the county park and hike on to the bridge."
Chris A
"Awesome experience with tons of various flowers in the spring. Only complaint was a crazy amount of ticks and the rough gravel road is hard on the horses feet. Definitely recommend boots or pads."
Sadie Smathers
"This is a great trail for leisurely walks, biking, or walking your dog. It's a very mellow and flat trail and it's well maintained. Just avoid spending any time near the fisher hill bridge, there is a whole community of people who are far less than savory. These people also have very mean dogs and they encourage them to chase people."
Micah Fitzsimmons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lyle trailhead is about 80 miles east of Vancouver on State Highway 14. It's roughly an hour's drive from Portland, making it a good option for a day trip.
Yes, there is great parking available at the Lyle trailhead, which is also signed as the Klickitat River Trail. Clean restrooms are also on-site.
The trail can also be accessed near Centerville and Goldendale, managed by Washington State Parks. This section is noted as having a rougher, more rustic surface compared to the Lyle section.
While the main trail is well-maintained gravel, access roads to some sections might be rough. It's best to check local conditions if planning to drive larger vehicles.
The trail starts in Lyle and extends towards Centerville and Goldendale. These towns offer amenities and further access points to the trail system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no specific permit is required for day use on the Klickitat River Trail. However, it's always wise to check with the US Forest Service or Washington State Parks for any specific regulations or potential fees, especially for overnight camping or group events.
There are typically no entrance fees for accessing and using the Klickitat River Trail for hiking or biking. Parking at the Lyle trailhead is also usually free.
The Klickitat River Trail is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, access might be limited during severe weather conditions, especially after heavy rain.
While there aren't widely advertised guided tours specifically for the Klickitat River Trail, local outdoor outfitters or tourism boards might offer related excursions. It's recommended to research local providers.
The section of the trail starting in Lyle is well-maintained gravel and relatively flat, making it accessible for many. However, other sections can be rougher.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Expect a gorgeous canyon with the Klickitat River flowing through it. You'll see basalt rock formations, native trees, and in spring, a variety of flowers.
The diverse habitat along the river and through the canyon likely supports a variety of bird species. Spring and fall migrations can be particularly rewarding for birdwatchers.
Yes, you can see Native American fishing platforms along the river where it cuts through basalt rock. The trail itself is a former railway line, adding a layer of industrial history.
The river itself, the canyon walls, and the fishing platforms offer great photographic opportunities. The fall colors are particularly stunning.
Be aware of ticks in spring and potential mud after rain. Some users advise avoiding the Fisher Hill Bridge area due to local issues.
🎫 🚴♀️ Biking & Hiking
The Lyle section is excellent for gravel biking due to its flat and well-maintained surface. The Centerville section is rougher and might be more challenging for some bikes.
The trail is generally described as flat or having little elevation gain, making it suitable for easy rides and walks.
The trail is a 31-mile scenic corridor. Many visitors enjoy out-and-back sections, such as the route from Lyle to Klickitat.
Yes, the flattish, gravel surface is suitable for running, especially the well-maintained sections near Lyle.
For the Lyle section, comfortable walking or biking shoes are fine. If you plan to explore rougher sections or ride horses, consider more robust footwear or specialized gear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the trail itself. You'll need to visit nearby towns like Lyle or Goldendale for food options.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are scenic spots along the trail where you can stop and enjoy a meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Lyle has a few local eateries, often featuring casual dining. It's best to check current business hours and offerings before your visit.
The area around Goldendale and Lyle is known for its wineries. You can find several options for wine tasting before or after your trail adventure.
It's highly recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan a longer excursion, as amenities are scarce on the trail itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Easy Trails
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Klickitat River Trail: A Tale of Two Sections
In contrast, the section managed by Washington State Parks near Centerville and Goldendale presents a wilder, more rustic appearance. The trail surface here is rougher, which can be more challenging for some users, including horses that may require protective boots. This section offers a more rugged adventure for those seeking a less manicured experience. Despite the difference in surface, both sections showcase the stunning beauty of the Klickitat Canyon, making the entire 31-mile corridor a worthwhile exploration.
Best Practices for Horseback Riding
Beyond hoof protection, riders should also be mindful of the spring tick season. Checking horses for ticks after a ride is a good practice. While the trail is generally peaceful, riders should also be aware of other users and maintain a controlled pace. The beauty of the Klickitat Canyon is best enjoyed when all trail users share the space respectfully.
Photography Opportunities Along the Trail
For landscape photographers, the Klickitat Canyon provides breathtaking vistas, particularly in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant colors. The trail's gentle grade means you can often stop easily to set up a shot. In the spring, the abundance of wildflowers adds pops of color to the scenery. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself stopping frequently to capture the diverse beauty of this trail.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit