Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
The Klickitat Rail Trail is a 31-mile rails-to-trails conversion managed by Columbia Hills State Park. This linear park goes from Lyle to Warwick (on the Lyle-Centerville Highway) with several access points along the way. Swale Canyon lies on the eastern end of the trail and offers a quiet canyon, a burbly creek, wildflowers and solitude.
Swale Canyon can be hiked end-to-end (13 miles) or as an out-and-back as far as you'd like. Start the hike at Harms Road and follow Swale Creek downstream as it approaches the Klickitat River. The old railbed is wide, making it fun to walk side-by-side and easy to share the trail with the occasional mountain biker.
This is lonely country, with broad, windswept vistas that narrow as you enter the canyon. Wildlife is abundant, particularly birds and springtime brings flowers sometimes as early as late February or early March. Look for black desert parsley, balsamroot, phlox, lupine and much more along the trail.
This is easy walking, gently treading downhill along the creek. Take the time to appreciate the trestles and the decking that volunteers have undertaken to make them safe for hikers and other users.
Activity Notes
This section of the Klickitat Trail breaks away from the Klickitat River and the road and follows Swale Creek. Near mile 2, the route starts its descent into Swale Canyon, a remote gorge punctuated with volcanic rock outcroppings and vibrant Columbia desert parsley. Cross three railroad trestles in the next 1.5 miles and continue heading west. After 4.5 miles, the route swings to the north for the final 0.6 mile to a waterfront lunch spot along Swale Creek. Savor views of the creek's chutes, waterfalls, and small pools. We should see plenty of wildflowers.
Meet inside the parking structure at Gateway Transit Center at 8:30 am. We will arrange carpools once everyone has arrived. If you don't have a car, take the MAX or bus to Gateway and join a carpool when you arrive. Passengers please bring $10 for gas and tolls.
Well-behaved dogs OK. Dogs must stay on leash in this area. Please email leader if you are bringing a dog.
10.2 mi RT, 450' elevation loss. Drive: 180 mi RT from Portland. Meet at Gateway (NE corner of the parking structure) at 8:30 am.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 90 miles |
| Distance - Round Trip | 12 miles |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
