Cowiche Canyon Preserve

The Cowiche Canyon Preserve packs a surprising amount of terrain into a compact area just northwest of Yakima. The canyon trail follows an old railroad grade along Cowiche Creek, crossing the water nine times beneath basalt and andesite cliffs. Above the canyon, the uplands open into rolling grasslands with long views toward Mount Rainier and Mount Adams on clear days.

The trail network supports loops of varying length. The canyon out-and-back covers about 5.8 miles round trip on mostly flat gravel. The uplands trails (Jeep Road, Summit, Radio Flyer, Col Barnhill, Coyote Way) add elevation and mileage for those looking to extend. The Winery Trail drops steeply to Wilridge Winery's tasting room, making it one of the few hikes in the state that ends at a wine pour.

Wildflower season starts early here. Grass widows appear in February, followed by balsamroot, lupine, and desert parsley through April and May. Raptors and magpies patrol the canyon year-round. Summer brings real heat with minimal shade, so carry extra water and plan accordingly. Fall color in the canyon is worth the trip. No parking pass required at any of the four trailheads.