Mileage Mike went hiking December 28, 2014 10.8 miles 500 feet gained

Klickitat Trail

1

This was the last hike of my vacation and also the last for the year. The weather was fantastic with the sun coming out occasionally and with only a few sprinkles! It was a great year and we're hoping for a repeat (minus the knee and back issues) in 2015! We wish every one a happy and healthy new year in 2015!!!

Trail Talk

1 person has hearted this trip.

Roman · December 29, 2014

There's a bit of post-apocalyptic feel, with all the ruins and bones. Does it feel a bit creepy to be on this trail? I haven't been there, but think to see it this spring.

Mileage Mike · December 30, 2014

Hi Roman!

I think things are pretty safe around the Klickitat trail but the areas with homesteads have an air about them that can seem creepy, especially in foggy or bad weather. The only area that kind of creeps me out is on the north side of Swale Canyon. There are still some occupied homesteads that are trashed out and it almost feels like someone could be watching you. I know you have a dog, and I don't mean to scare you but there was a story about a dog not on a leash that entered one of these homestead areas and was shot. Again, I don't know the circumstances and only heard something to the effect of the dog was running around one of the properties. I'm only mentioning this as I would be careful to put your dog on a leash around this north Swale Canyon area. I would look into previous trip reports on Portland Hikers to identify these areas or to hear about other hikers take on the area and its safety. I should also mention that there are two bridges on the Swale Canyon section of the hike that have railroad ties (with spaces) and no solid surface. This could be an issue for your dog! I have hiked the most of the Klickitat Trail (my wife won't go on the section where those bridges are) and can share my gps tracks. The only section I haven't hiked is along the road from north of Klickitat to the Swale Canyon TH. I also have a huge number of geotagged pictures of the entire trail and can show you signigicant features there! I have attached a picture of the homestead with the trash on it and the railroad tie bridge.

Roman · December 30, 2014

Thanks Mike! Yes it is mostly inhabited ruins I am concerned about, I would definitely keep my dog close up there. But there seems to be far more positive experiences, and that area looks awesome. We'll give it a try in 2015.