Savoring Quietude at Klickitat State Park’s Southwest Trailhead

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Sep 1

Photo coutesy Sharon Kirkeby at All Trails

By Dana Greyson

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 1, 2026 — The Columbia Gorge has no shortage of trails built around spectacle — towering waterfalls, sweeping viewpoints, wildflower-covered hillsides and roaring rivers.

The southwest end of the Klickitat State Park Trail near Lyle, Wash., offers something quieter.

Here, the trail slips alongside a placid section of the Klickitat River, which snakes its way between low basalt cliffs beneath oaks, maples and ponderosa pines. There is no dramatic summit waiting around the bend. Instead, the rewards come closer to the ground and often more quietly.

You might catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring, a fishing osprey diving, a great blue heron flapping or a still egret stalking tiny fish. Maybe you’ll hear the ratcheting call of a belted kingfisher, alerting other birds to your presence in their hunting grounds. Or you might hear the rapid drumming of a checkered black-and-white downy woodpecker claiming its territory, its sound evoking the heartbeat of the earth for many Native American tribes. No wonder the trail is part of Audubon’s Sun and Sage Loop.

On a recent August morning, I experienced all that, along with the thrilling whir of a passing dragonfly, whose lineage predates the presence of dinosaurs. And the slight, distant rustle of leaves brought my attention to the watchful eyes of a doe.

I first explored this trail in late May. The blossoms — bright yellow St. John’s wort, Oregon sunshine and blanket flower; cornflowers in a medley of purple, pink and white; magenta vetch spires; hot pink clusters of everlasting pea; and fragrant white mock orange — were an unexpected delight so far into spring.

Alicia Timm and Red take a dip in the Klickitat River.

Poison Oak glows red with itchy warning.

By August, most of the flowers and grasses have already gone to seed, though there are some pink penstemon and stalwart, late-blooming indigo cornflowers. Fat berry bunches bejewel the Oregon grapes. Oaks splaying their acorns, bigleaf maples and ponderosa pines keep the area lush.

But watch out for the poison oak! A harbinger of fall, at least this time of year much of it is easier to spot as the leaves begin donning their scarlet autumnal hue.

I chatted with two local trail regulars more actively enjoying the trail.

Kate Keel of Bingen loves to take her dog, Sequoia, there for morning walks because it feels safe, and even on hot days, “It’s not too sunny, gives Sequoia room to stretch her legs and even go swimming.”

Another swimmer, Alicia Timm of Lyle, says, “I come here every day.” That day, she was teaching her dog, Red, to join her in the Klickitat River.

Klickitat State Park Trail’s southwest section is an easy-access trail for walkers, wheelchair users, bicyclists, paddlers and leashed dogs. You can generally find a parking spot without much trouble.

This portion of the trail begins at the western edge of Lyle at the intersection of Washington state Highways 14 and 142. In its entirety, the trail runs for 31 miles, with a few noncontiguous sections. Additional access points are located off Highway 142, and the trail ends at Warwick on the Lyle-Centerville Highway. Farther along, there is a short waterfall, and the trail climbs up to 350 feet. Some parts of the trail close during fire season. For most walkers, the trail lends itself best to being tackled a section at a time.

Park hours are 6:30 a.m. to dusk. If underinflated bike tires or other minor repairs are keeping you from cycling, there’s a handy public bicycle repair station at the trailhead. There are also life jackets on loan for those who want to swim or paddle.

While you might still manage to snag a ripe blackberry or two, if you’ve planned ahead, you can enjoy a meal at the park’s picnic tables. If you fancy getting served a cuppa or a nibble with a killer Columbia River view rife with kiteboarders, Confluence Café is across the street on Highway 14. It’s open until 3 p.m. daily, starting at 7 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. weekends.