Cowiche Canyon Trail

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail follows the Cowiche Creek though Cowiche Canyon along an old railroad bed from the parking area at Weikel to the parking area at the west end of Cowiche Canyon Road. The trail crosses the creek 9 times as it winds its way through the canyon. The south (right-hand) walls of the Canyon are Columbia Basalt while the north walls are Columbia Basalt topped by the more convoluted forms of Tieton Andesite. Just prior to bridge #8 is a junction with the Winery Trail, which climbs the north hillside to the Tasting Room of Yakima & the Wilridge Vineyard. Shortly past bridge #8 is a junction with the Uplands Trail, which climbs the south hillside and then crosses the Cowiche Canyon Uplands to the parking area on Scenic Drive Extension.

Just past this junction, the trail leaves the railroad bed and follows the route of the old country road, which was built prior to the railroad. The thick riparian vegetation is close at hand along this stretch. After about a quarter mile, the trail rejoins the railroad bed and follows it on to the parking area at the west end of Cowiche Canyon Road.

The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy is the owner and sole caretaker of this portion of the trail. Maintenance can be supported by contributions made to Cowiche Canyon Conservancy.