Swale Canyon section of Klickitat Trail reopens after major construction

Public invited to ribbon-cutting ceremony, hike and trail ride on May 8

LYLE – The Swale Canyon segment of the Klickitat Trail will reopen after a 10-month renovation project to improve public safety and enhance visitor experience along this beautiful section of trail.

The new features will make foot, mountain bike and horse travel safer, prettier and less bumpy.

Trail improvements include:

• Eight redecked trestle bridges
• One replaced bridge
• One bridge removed and replaced with a dip in the trail and potentially a shallow ford in early season
• Several new gates along the trail
• New gravel surfacing at each end and several sections in the middle, where the trail used to be ballast and rock

Swale Canyon will be open from May 8 to June 20. It closes again June 21 for the annual fire season, until Oct. 8. State Parks staff encourage visitors to enjoy this five-week window. Spring in Swale Canyon features multitudes of wildflowers. Visitors can also see birds, raptors and reptiles. Depending on the light, the canyon’s hills may look orange or purple.

There is no potable water available in the canyon, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

On Thurs., May 8, Washington State Parks and the Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Harms Road trailhead to reopen Swale Canyon.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and features speakers, festivities and refreshments. The program will be followed by two activities led by KTC: a two-mile out-and-back hike into the canyon and a 13-mile one-way bike ride to Wahkiacus. Riders must arrange to get a ride back from Wahkiacus to Harms Road or leave a second car in Wahkiacus.

What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of Swale Canyon

When: Thurs., May 8 at 11 a.m.

Where: Klickitat Trail access at the intersection of Harms Rd, over Swale Creek.