The Swale Canyon section is closed during fire season, approximately July 1 - October 1.
Deer kills on the trail by cougars are common, and yearly salmon runs attract bald eagles.
In 1903, the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway built the original track linking Lyle and Goldendale.
Ownership of the rail line was transferred to Washington State Parks in 1994, despite some local opposition.
[3] The Klickitat Trail, a public right of way, is now managed cooperatively by Washington State, the U.S. Forest Service, and the KTC.