Cowiche Canyon Preserve

The Cowiche Canyon Trail has become one of Washington State's most successful rails to trails projects. The 3.2 mile long Canyon Trail is enjoyed by thousands of visitors yearly and offers endless recreation and educational opportunities.  It is a favorite destination for school field trips, and hikers.

Six miles northwest of downtown Yakima, Cowiche Creek winds between the towering cliffs of Cowiche Canyon.  The former railroad line is now an unpaved trail, framed with basalt and andesite rock as it winds to make nine crossings of the Cowiche creek.  Lying in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains, an arid shrub-steppe environment has evolved on the slopes and uplands surrounding the canyon.  In stark contrast, a lush tree and shrub-dominated riparian zone lines Cowiche Creek which hosts an important and mostly hidden world, including a remnant run of coho salmon.  Several hundred species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, birds and other wildlife flourish in the area.

The Cowiche Canyon Trail connects with an uplands trail accessible from the Scenic Drive trailhead. The Uplands area of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy offers the visitor many delights.  From its high point located atop Cowiche Knoll, visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view of the valley and surrounding hilltops. Native plants and wildflowers can be enjoyed from a trail system unlike any found in Central Washington. The 200 acre Cowiche Canyon preserve area is located about five miles west of the city of Yakima in the foothills between West Valley and Naches Heights.  Land in the area is owned by the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, U.S. Bureau of Land Managment, and several private land owners.  The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy organization is working hard to help preserve vital areas for the recreational enjoyment of future generations.