About Cowiche Canyon Trail System
Just outside of Yakima, in central Washington, the Cowiche Canyon and adjacent uplands host nearly 900 acres of year-round opportunities for non-motorized outdoor recreation. Spring, Summer and Fall bring opportunities for hiking, trail-running and mountain biking the nearly 13 miles of unpaved trails. Skiers and other winter lovers can enjoy the gentle grade of the 2.9-mile Cowiche Canyon Trail, a former rail bed with eleven bridge crossings of Cowiche Creek. The Bureau of Land Management has partnered with the non-profit Cowiche Canyon Conservancy to provide access to this undeveloped natural landscape overlooking the city of Yakima.The Cowiche Canyon is characterized by towering walls consisting of two types of lava, 17.5 million-year-old Columbia River flood basalts and one million-year-old andesite, the latter originating at Goat Rocks volcano, some 35 air miles away. The uplands above the canyon offer wide open spaces and spectacular views of Yakima, Mt. Adams, and an amazing springtime wildflower display covering the fragile lithosol soil.Summertime brings big contrasts to the Cowiche Canyon trail system. Upland plants of this shrub-steppe habitat like Desert Parsley, a biscuitroot, become dormant during drought months. In the neighboring Cowiche Creek riparian habitat, life abounds with more than 185 species of trees, shrubs and flowers and 125 bird species. Because of the area’s botanical richness, much of it is managed as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), a designation which provides a special emphasis on protecting this beautiful landscape.Know Before You GoThe Cowiche Canyon trail system is open for day-use only. Four small trailheads provide access to the area and almost 13 miles of unpaved trails. Trailer parking is available at the Cowiche Canyon railroad grade trailheads only; no trailer parking at the Summitview or Scenic Trailheads.Poison Ivy is abundant in the riparian area along the creek; protect yourself and your pet when on the
