The best road cycling routes in Klickitat State Park Trail

While the Klickitat State Park Trail follows a gentle grade, characteristic of its rail-trail conversion, it's important to note that the surface is primarily unpaved. It features crushed stone, gravel, and dirt sections. For the best experience, bikes with wider tires, front suspension, or gravel bikes are generally recommended over traditional road bikes.

The trail offers diverse scenery, paralleling the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River for much of its length. You'll pass through oak and Ponderosa pine woodlands, transition into golden high-desert landscapes, and experience the dramatic views of the Columbia River Gorge. Notable features include the remote Swale Canyon and the historic Fisher Hill Trestle.

Yes, cyclists can enjoy several points of interest. The trail itself is a historic rail-trail, featuring the impressive Fisher Hill Trestle with its spectacular canyon views. The route also offers constant views of the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River and traverses the ecologically significant Swale Canyon. You might also spot rustic farms and open fields, especially east of Swale Canyon.

Spring is ideal for experiencing abundant wildflowers. The trail is generally open year-round, but the Swale Canyon section typically closes during periods of high fire danger, usually from July to early October. Winter offers opportunities for birdwatching, including bald eagles near the Lyle trailhead.

The routes in Klickitat State Park Trail range from moderate to difficult. For example, the Old Highway 8 Loop is considered moderate, while routes like Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park and Klickitat Park loop from Lyle are rated as difficult due to significant elevation gain and varied terrain.

The Klickitat State Park Trail, being a former railroad bed, generally features gentle grades, which can be suitable for families. However, given the unpaved surface of crushed stone and gravel, it's recommended for families to use bikes with wider tires or consider gravel bikes for a more comfortable ride. The Lyle trailhead is also ADA-accessible.

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the Klickitat State Park Trail. There are various trailheads along the route, with Lyle being the most frequently used and the only ADA-accessible one. Ensure you have the necessary pass displayed when parking.

Yes, the Klickitat State Park Trail is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are typically allowed on leash, but it's always a good idea to check the latest regulations on the Washington State Parks website for any specific rules or seasonal restrictions.

The trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. In spring, you'll see abundant wildflowers. Birdwatching is popular, especially in winter when bald eagles can be observed near the Lyle trailhead. You might also spot various other birds and local fauna as you cycle through the diverse woodlands and high-desert areas.

Yes, several loop routes are available. For instance, the Memaloose Lookout – Twin Tunnels Trail loop from Chenowith offers a substantial ride through the Columbia River Gorge. Another option is the Old Highway 8 Loop, providing a different perspective of the area.

There are several road cycling routes detailed for the Klickitat State Park Trail, offering various distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's unique landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the scenic views of the Klickitat River and the Columbia River Gorge, as well as the unique experience of cycling on a historic rail-trail.