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Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 335 Google reviews · Running trail in Lyle, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking spot featuring an arch and scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge as well as waterfalls and spring wildflowers.
What runners say about Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead
“The paved one mile loop trail is perfect for kids and older folks who want something that’s easy as well as stunning views.”
“It’s a relatively easy hike with beautiful views of the gorge and Mt Hood in the distance on clear days.”
This paved trail across from the parking area is a gem off Hwy 14. Very accessible for strollers and wheel chairs, it offers amazing views of the Gorge and there are well placed signs telling about the plants and wildlife. An easy 30 minute or more walk. New seats are in place for rests and enjoying the view.
Catherine Creek made for a great spring hike today. Located on the Washington side of the Columbia just a bit east from White Salmon, this home has nice open grassy areas, waterfalls, rock outcroppings, and fantastic views to the Columbia.
Terrific trail. I bet most people do the trail uphill from parking, but don’t sleep on the short loop towards the river. Great if you have a senior in your party or someone needing ADA since it’s paved and a gentle slope. Some strategically placed benches, and very informative signs along the way too.
Wide vistas of the Gorge. River side trails are paved and if you head east on them you’ll come to a bench overlooking Gorge and a waterfall perfect spot for lunch. The uphill side of the trails are longer, get you higher up and can be very rocky . Bring good shoes or boots.
Trail conditions & character
“Very accessible for strollers and wheel chairs, it offers amazing views of the Gorge and there are well placed signs telling about the plants and wildlife.”
“River side trails are paved and if you head east on them you’ll come to a bench overlooking Gorge and a waterfall perfect spot for lunch.”
“The paved one mile loop trail is perfect for kids and older folks who want something that’s easy as well as stunning views.”
“I bet most people do the trail uphill from parking, but don’t sleep on the short loop towards the river.”
“Very accessible for strollers and wheel chairs, it offers amazing views of the Gorge and there are well placed signs telling about the plants and wildlife.”
“It is not super steep like Dog Mountain, so there were several times we had to step aside for mountain bikers coming down the trail.”
“The uphill side of the trails are longer, get you higher up and can be very rocky .”
Plan your run at Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance6 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(541) 308-1700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Lyle
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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