Coyote Wall Trails

Coyote Wall. Ojerio

Oak Forests, open meadows, spring wildflowers and dramatic vista's of the Columbia River Gorge draw hikers from both Oregon and Washington to the network of trails at Coyote Wall. WTA volunteers will be working on developing an official trail system out of the many user-created paths through the area in accordance with the new Forest Service Recreation plan for the Coyote Wall-Catherine Creek Area.

If you aren’t familiar with the Burdoin Mountain - Coyote Wall - Catherine Creek areas, you’ve thus far missed out on experiencing one of the Gorge’s truly unique treasures. Situated just upstream from White Salmon on the Columbia River, these adjacent areas feature rugged cliffs, Oregon white oak woodlands, wide open meadows and sweeping views of the Gorge that rival any other around. The unique soils and climate have created some very special plant communities that include many endemic and rare wildflowers that deliver a spectacular succession of colorful displays. And with unique plant communities come unique species of animals that are equally as rare as the plants they rely upon for habitat. In 2011 the Forest Service made official its recreation plan for the area following a highly contentious planning process. In a nutshell, the plan seeks to convert a proliferation of unofficial, user-created routes into a system of trails that reduce trail user conflicts, end trespass on adjacent private property and protect one of the most botanically unique landscapes in the region. With support from a generous National Forest Foundation grant, WTA is working with other trail user groups to redevelop the trail system in accordance with the recreation plan.

Driving directions:
From Portland and Vancouver, travel east on I-84 to Exit 64/Hood River. Cross the Hood River Bridge ($1 toll) to Washington's Highway SR-14, turn right/east. Follow Hwy 14 east for 1.5 miles to Bingen, WA. Continue past Bingen for 3.2 miles. Turn left at Courtney Road and then immediately turn right to go through a green gate for volunteer parking only. At this time the trailhead is not signed.