Cowiche Canyon is a Preserve manged by a Land Trust. It is a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern, so PLEASE tread lightly. The Cowiche land trust consists of high desert highlands at the
Cowiche Canyon is a Preserve manged by a Land Trust. It is a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern, so PLEASE tread lightly. The Cowiche land trust consists of high desert highlands at the top of the hill which contain rolling, rocky and very fun singletrack. The canyon itself is magnificent and is very popular with hikers. Please DO NOT RIDE HERE WHEN MUDDY--because of the sensitive and unique ecological character of the area, access is tenuous at best.
How to Find It
West on Hwy 12 out of Yakima to the 40th Street exit. Go one mile south on 40th Street then right on Englewood then right on 80th Street then left on Scenic. 4 miles from Yakima and you are there. This will leave you on the top of the canyon.
There is also a way in from the "bottom" of the canyon. Take the same exit- "N. 40th Ave. and Fruitvale Blvd." Drive under the freeway, across Fruitvale, and in 1.5 miles from US 12 turn right onto Summitview. Continue for 7.1 miles and turn right on Weikel Road (signs on Summitview indicate Cowiche Canyon turnoff). Drive 0.4 mile on Weikel Road, and turn right at the sign for Cowiche Canyon. This will get you to the start of the rails to trails part of the canyon.
Typical Conditions
Nice desert riding. Good early Spring destination.
Advocacy & Stewardship
https://www.facebook.com/cowichecanyonconservancy
http://www.cowichecanyon.org/index.html
Turn by Turn
There are lots of trails on "top" of the canyon. Let's call that the "rim." As you circle this area you will see various ways down into the canyon. Go down one and up another etc.
Lots of information and maps here: http://www.cowichecanyon.org/hikethetrails.html
