Klickitat Wild & Scenic River
The lowermost 10.8 miles of the Klickitat River, from Wheeler Creek to the confluence with Columbia River, are designated as a Wild & Scenic River. This stretch of river begins as a broad canyon with rolling hills that drops at a steady gradient of 26 feet per mile before cascading into a Class V gorge around river mile 2 with an unrunnable entrance feature.
A significant anadromous fishery supporting steelhead trout, Chinook salmon and coho salmon, the Klickitat offers boating, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities. Fishing is particularly exceptional from July through September when this glacier-fed river runs clear.
The Yakama Nation have been dip-net fishing continuously in this area for generations to catch salmon and steelhead. Please share the river with respect. (Learn more about Tribal dipnet fishing.)
For current river flows and levels, check the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage.
Active Alerts
General Information
Permits are required for commercial outfitters or guides.
Address: 902 Wasco Ave Suite 200 Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: (541) 308-1700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.r6crgnsawfb@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
From Hood River, OR: Cross the Hood River Bridge from Oregon into Washington and turn right onto State Route 14. Travel 11 miles to the mouth of the Klickitat near Lyle, WA and turn left on State Highway 142.
From The Dalles, OR: Take Highway 197 north over The Dalles bridge to Washington State Highway 14. Turn left at the "T" intersection and proceed approximately 7 miles through the town of Lyle. Take a right on State Highway 142.
State Route 142 goes to the town of Klickitat, WA and also parallels the river and trail along the lower 15 miles of river.
See also:
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Lyle Trailhead is the only ADA accessible trailhead and includes a bathroom and potable water. From this trailhead the Klickitat Trail surface is improved for 1.5 miles to the Fisher Hill Trestle.
