By Victoria Fowler
Gazette Reporter 

Hit the trail:

Hikes in Whitman County

 

Weaving through the pine trees, Kamiak Butte offers more than five miles of developed trails.

WHITMAN COUNTY – On Tuesday, May 5, Washington State Parks and lands managed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife were allowed to reopen.

As warm weather sets in and the feeling to get outside increases, there are plenty of hikes available within the county to keep drives short and support social distancing.

Steptoe Butte State Park- Located between Steptoe and Oakesdale, Steptoe Butte offers a 6.4 mile, moderately trafficked out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. The trail spirals around the butte taking hikers to the tallest point in the region giving picturesque views of the Palouse. This trail is best used from March until October and dogs are also able to use the trail. Steptoe Butte State Park offers picnic areas, bird watching, paragliding, hang gliding and photography opportunities.

Kamiak Butte- This park holds more than five miles of forested hiking trails. The Pine Ridge Trail, the longest trail at Kamiak Butte, is a 3.5 mile loop that takes hikers to the second highest point in Whitman County at 3,641 feet. This trail is best used from April to November. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash. Kamiak Butte also offers picnic areas, a playground, geocaching opportunities and more than 150 bird, mammal and vegetation species.

Klemgard County Park Loop- Nestled in a forested canyon in the Union Flat area, Klemgard County Park has a 1.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is best used between March and October and dogs can be on the trail as long as they are on a leash. Klemgard County Park also offers a playground, horseshoe pits, a multi-purpose field and picnic areas.

Wawawai County Park- The Wawawai County Park offers a short .9 mile lightly trafficked loop that has signs with information regarding geology, history and natural features of the park and Snake River Canyon. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Wawawai County Park offers picnic areas, a bird viewing platform and a small bay off of the Snake River for opportunities of non-motorized boating and fishing.

The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail- Connecting Pullman and Moscow, the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is a 10-foot wide paved trail, accessible to all skill levels. The trail totals 15 miles out and back and is accessible year round. Dogs are able to use the trail. The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is part of the federal Rails to Trails program and offers opportunities for walkers, runners, bikers and geocachers.

Colfax Trail- Located less than a mile west of Colfax, the Colfax Trail is a 5.6 mile out and back trail along the Palouse River. This trail is suitable for all skill level and is accessible all year round. The trail is quiet and will offer the occasional wildlife viewing. Dogs are also allowed on this trail.

Rose Creek Nature Preserve- Just 7.5 miles northwest of Pullman, near Albion, the Rose Creek Nature Preserve gives hikers a one-mile trail that winds along and over Rose Creek. The preserve is at the foot of Smoot Hill outside of Albion, location of the Hudson Biological Reserve, which is not open to the public and serves as a research area for WSU. Pets are not allowed and disturbing or collect plants or animals is prohibited as well as recorded bird calls.

 

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