Trip Report

Coyote Wall — Sunday, May. 3, 2009

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

Trip Report By

Eli Boschetto

Type of Hike

Day hike

Wildflowers blooming

Along the base of Coyote Wall. © Eli Boschetto

Was told about this hike last year, but after the spring bloom, so saved it for this year. Picked a nice, sunny Sunday and the rewards were huge! Trailhead very easy to find, right on the corner of Hwy 14 and Courtney Rd, about 3 miles east of Bingen (across from Hood River). First portion of hike along base of wall shady and cool. No trail issues. Lots of little spring color: buttercup, candyflower, cluster lily; trillium on the decline. Middle portion up Courtney and Atwood Roads clear; back on trail and in the shade, lots of blue buttons and fairyslipper. Emerging onto the top of Coyote Wall offered huge views of Columbia River Gorge east and west, and across to Mt. Hood. Carpets of balsamroot everywhere; lupine on top just emerging, but a little lower down very prolific. Trails all in good shape, but lots of junctions in this area, known as "the labyrinth;" kept to edge of wall most of the way down; sheer drops - use caution. Beautiful hike. Added to our "faves" list. There is poison oak in the area, as well as ticks. Be aware.

Blue buttons on the Coyote Wall trail. © Eli Boschetto

Balsamroot atop Coyote Wall and Columbia River. © Eli Boschetto

Comments

Coyote Wall

As the Forest Service moves to implement their recreation plan for the area, the trail ascending to the north along the base of Coyote Wall will be closed and decommissioned. Known as the "Coyote Trail" it has become very popular with recreationalists. However, it is on private property and Forest Service policy prohibits sanctioned trails that lead to private property unless there is an easement for the trail to continue across those private lands.

As of 4/26/12 I've heard that the Coyote Wall Trail is posted closed and that the Forest Service may begin enforcement (i.e. issuing citations).

You will still be able to hike up along the Cliff edge on "little Moab" or the "Jeep Road", or to the east of the cliff edge in the next drainage over you can hike "Little Maui" or one creek east of that you'll encounter the "Labyrinth" (also called Hidden Canyon by mountain bikers.

These trails will be party of the official trail system, but may be rerouted to be more sustainable since they were originally established by users back when it was difficult to predict just how popular this area would become. WTA is working in close collaboration with other trail users to plan these reroutes - starting in April 2012 with generous support from a National Forest Foundation Grant.

- Ryan Ojerio SW Washington Regional Coordinator

Posted by:

Ryan Ojerio on Apr 26, 2012 10:58 AM