St. Cloud Interpretive Trail #4410

This easy, roughly half-mile loop follows a short site drive to a compacted-gravel circuit through an old apple orchard and open riverfront meadow. From the day-use parking, the walk uses that short driveway to reach and leave the circuit; allow 20–30 minutes if you stop at the history panels and viewpoint. The mostly level surface is about three feet wide and designed for accessibility, making this a leg-stretcher rather than a long hike.

The trail passes rows of old apple trees, with open views across the Columbia toward Oregon’s Oneonta Bluffs and Multnomah Falls. Interpretive panels tell the story of the Vial family’s riverfront estate, established in 1909; the orchard is the clearest surviving piece of it. The trees include Spitzenberg and Newtown Pippin apples. Picnic tables sit at the viewpoint. When the river is low, visitors can add a separate walk over the rocky beach; that shoreline is beyond the mapped loop.

Turn toward the river from WA-14 at milepost 29.9, then cross the railroad tracks to the St. Cloud Day Use Area. A day-use fee or valid recreation pass is required. There is an accessible vault toilet at the parking area but no potable water. Dogs are allowed on leash. The optional beach walk is uneven and depends on river level.