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Cowiche Canyon Trail west trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Running trail in Yakima, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 60 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cowiche Canyon Trail west 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.
Easy paths for hikers, many featuring wildflowers, birds, and views of the canyon river and creek.
What runners say about Cowiche Canyon Trail west trailhead
“Very nice and well kept trail.”
“The rocks are gorgeous, the vegetation is interesting and lush - we loved all the vines and flowering shrubs - really pretty.”
“Flat and relaxed, the day was hot but the trail has the coolness of rocks and some shady breaks.”
“It’s an ideal spot for an easy hike with a touch of natural history.”
There are multiple trail heads that one can start from and on top of that there are multiple different trails one can take once inside the trailhead. I did not come anywhere near exploring everything, but I think I will be back to try another route. There are a lot of amazing views and places for pictures.
We came over to Yakima from a wet Seattle day, and Cowiche turned us into happy people. The Cowiche Canyon Trail is a beautiful hike, over rushing rivers and tge sweet smell of sage and desert flowers! Great hike for families with small kids.
This is a great trail network. There is ample parking in a dirt lot. There are no restroom facilities. There is good trail signage and interpretive signs. There is a trail map at trailhead. There are wider paths with wooden bridges and narrow stone paths climbing out of the canyon.
This was great trail with mountains and trail covered in snow. snow shoes are recommended as lot of places, it was really slippery. the 9 bridges makes most of the journey pleasant. Snow trailing for 7 miles, first time but it was lovely and should go again and again after I buy snow shoes
Trail conditions & character
“The rocks are gorgeous, the vegetation is interesting and lush - we loved all the vines and flowering shrubs - really pretty.”
“There are multiple trail heads that one can start from and on top of that there are multiple different trails one can take once inside the trailhead.”
“This trail is a pet friendly trail, lots of path to choose, from easy-moderate trail”
“Flat and relaxed, the day was hot but the trail has the coolness of rocks and some shady breaks.”
“Flat and relaxed, the day was hot but the trail has the coolness of rocks and some shady breaks.”
“Snow trailing for 7 miles, first time but it was lovely and should go again and again after I buy snow shoes”
Plan your run at Cowiche Canyon Trail west trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance60 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
- Websitecowichecanyon.org
- Phone+1 509-248-5065
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Yakima
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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