Ken Hansen, KTC President
At mid-sixties, after a life of hiking and the normal “wear and tear” of knees and such, I have recently found my wanderings in the Gorge to be a bit slower and more painful, and longer to recover from… Steep trails are simply harder for me as I age. While the Gorge is truly blessed with world -class hiking, it is difficult to avoid steep climbs and descents. Only on the Klickitat Trail will you find a 31-mile trail, following a National Wild and Scenic River, that barely ascends a thousand feet! What a unique treasure we have!
Mark your calendar for June 1, National Trails Day! Come hike from the Pitt trailhead to the Fischer Bridge trailhead with the Klickitat Trail Conservancy President and board members. We will be arranging shuttle vehicles at the beginning of the hike. Watch our website and Facebook page for more information.
KTC has fielded requests for benches (or even flat rocks) located at strategic locations along the trail. The KTC Board would like to hear from trail users regarding the possible placement of benches, half-logs or other suitable seating possibilities along portions of the trail.
A $1.5M contract for upgrades in Swale Canyon was recently issued and work is anticipated to begin in the next months. This work will include decking and railings on existing trestles, replacement of railroad ballast with gravel, and removal of debris piles. The trestle railings and decking will make this portion of the trail much safer for horse travel. KTC has provided steady input into these upgrades. Once work begins, the Swale Canyon portion of the trail is anticipated to remain closed for the remainder of the year. So, get out there NOW and enjoy this remote and special portion of the KT.
Replacement of the Suburbia Bridge (just upriver from Klickitat, removed following the ’96 flood) is slowly moving forward. WA State Parks officials report 3 proposals continue to move through the design and permitting process. The currently preferred proposal, a suspension design, is “favorably” supported by tribal representatives. A final design is expected in 6-8 months. Completion of this bridge, relieving the need to travel on Hwy 142 to travel the Klickitat Trail, is a high priority of KTC.
After a 5-year hiatus, the popular “Klickitat Trail Half-Marathon & 5K Fun Run” returns to the Klickitat Trail on November 9. Famed as one of the “most beautiful” fun runs in the Gorge, this fundraiser benefits the local communities of Klickitat and Lyle. KTC is a strong supporter of this event and will have a presence at the finish line. KTC Board members and volunteers will gather prior to the run to remove rocks and debris from the course. Check their Facebook Page for more information.
KTC has recently filled an equestrian-focused board position; we welcome Anna Marlin of Goldendale. Anna works in the equestrian industry and owns several horses. She looks forward to reaching out to other equestrian groups and representing these interests on behalf of the Klickitat Trail.
KTC is the only organization dedicated solely to advocating for the Klickitat Trail. KTC has a vacancy for a Board member. If you would like to join others who are dedicated to advocating for the Klickitat Trail, please consider joining us! Our volunteers and Board invite you to join or renew your membership today! We hope to see you on the trail! www. klickitat-trail.org