Klickitat Trail — Fisher Hill to Klickitat

From Fisher Hill to Klickitat, this is an 11.4-mile, one-way walk on the old Klickitat rail grade, with the river beside the trail for much of the way. The route crosses the river on the Fisher Hill pedestrian bridge, then follows it upstream to the town of Klickitat. The grade is gentle, gaining about 315 feet, but loose gravel and the distance make this a substantial half-day. Plan a pickup in town; walking back makes it 22.8 miles.

The first notable stop comes about half a mile in at the Lyle Falls fishway and Yakama Nation Fisheries fish-counting facility. Platforms over the whitewater are part of an active Yakama dip-net fishery; stay on the trail and give fishers space. After that, the walk is a succession of river bends, rocky water, oaks and pines, and open places where the Klickitat comes back into view. The old railroad bed is the route’s character: this is a gradual riverside walk, not a climb toward one overlook. The railway once linked Lyle and Goldendale.

“Basically flat” describes the grade, not the footing. The old rail corridor changes from firm gravel to rougher, loose stones and dirt; tough soles help over a long day. Allow about five hours one way, plus time at the fishway. Pitt access has a restroom around mile 8.5, and Klickitat has another at the town end; there is none at Fisher Hill. Potable water is not available along this section. Dogs must be leashed, and cyclists and horses also use the route.

From SR 14, drive east 10.8 miles and turn north on Highway 142 just beyond the Klickitat River. After 1.6 miles, veer left into the Fisher Hill parking area on the west side, by the Scenic Area sign. The trail starts beside the lot and immediately crosses the pedestrian bridge. For pickup, use the Klickitat Trailhead kiosk near the old caboose in town. The mapped route briefly uses State Route 142 near the town end, so watch for traffic. No pass or permit is required for this section. For a shorter outing, start at Lyle for the separate 3.2-mile out-and-back to Fisher Hill.