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Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Scenic Drive Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 193 Google reviews · Running trail in Yakima, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 60 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Scenic Drive 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.
Large desert canyon with trails for hiking and mountain biking.
What runners say about Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Scenic Drive Trailhead
“Great views either way, and you can walk farther along the ridge at the top if you like, or take a shortcut before you get up to the ridge if you’re over it.”
“Close to town yet when you are there it's peaceful and beautiful, especially now in the spring with so many wildflowers in bloom.”
Cowiche Canyon is one of Yakima's true gems. Close to town yet when you are there it's peaceful and beautiful, especially now in the spring with so many wildflowers in bloom. There are so many varios trails in the uplands part of the canyon you can take that even when it's really busy there, it doesn't seem like it.
Up here temporarily and wanted to get some runs in. Had a great time running rim to rim and adventuring around the trails.
To find a wonderful, natural adventure so close to town is amazing. Such a wide variety of trails, from level trails to ones that descend or climb several hundred feet. It includes desert topography and a beautiful river with vibrant growth.
super quick to get to this trailhead. the dogs love it and the views of mt adams and mt rainier are always welcome. the trails are usually pretty quiet with lots of visibility if you’re trying to keep to yourself.
Trail conditions & character
“Great views either way, and you can walk farther along the ridge at the top if you like, or take a shortcut before you get up to the ridge if you’re over it.”
“Close to town yet when you are there it's peaceful and beautiful, especially now in the spring with so many wildflowers in bloom.”
“If you take the trail starting to the left of the tank (walk the loop clockwise), you will face a very steep incline for the first 3/4 of a mile.”
“I love having quick access to these trails and try to get a hike in as often as I can after work with my dog.”
“If you take the trail starting to the left of the tank (walk the loop clockwise), you will face a very steep incline for the first 3/4 of a mile.”
“It's flat and the cowiche creek runs through the canyon so it green and lush, (for Eastern, WA), and often opportunities to see wildlife.”
Plan your run at Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Scenic Drive Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance60 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecowichecanyon.org
- Phone+1 509-248-5065
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
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.
Cowiche Canyon Trail East Trailhead
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