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Print Friendly MapThe Columbia River Dike Trail—also known as the Captain William Clark Park Trail and the Cottonwood Beach Trail—follows the Columbia River from Steamboat Landing Park to the border of the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, trail-goers will enjoy views of the river and Mt. Hood.
The trail parallels Cottonwood Beach and is named for Lewis and Clark, who camped there in 1806. Walkers may enjoy taking a partial loop back on the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail in the adjacent wildlife area.
Take Lewis and Clark Highway/SR 14 east to Washougal. Turn right (south) on 15th Street into Steamboat Landing Park and park at the trailhead.
The trail is currently closed beyond Capt Clark park while work is being completed on the National Wildlife Refuge. Length of trail is about 1.5 miles as of 8/22/22.
This trail can be very loud in the industrial area, especially when a train goes by. Once you pass that area, the views are gorgeous, lots of wildlife to see, and it's very peaceful. However, this trail is longer than 1.3 miles -- it's more like 3.5 miles from Steamboat Landing to the end just past Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge.
Nice flat run with beautiful views of the Columbia river and Mt Hood. Visit the nearby 54 40 Brew Pub or start your run at Amnesia Brewing and enjoy a cold beer after your run!
Good trail for: 5 to 6 mile hike, non-crowded, flat, bird and wildlife watching, close-in to Portland metro area.
I started at Clark Park and headed east. Pretty plain for the first 3/4 of a mile with Cottonwood trees on your right and industrial on your left. But then you broke out into views of the river, the gorge, farmlands, and the National Wildlife Refuge. Hiked the 2.5 miles to where a gate ends the trail. Coming back, took the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge loop including doing and out and back on the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail. I went in mid July. Saw a few deer and ducks, so spring or early summer might be better for wildlife viewing.
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