Coyote Wall The Coyote Wall is a 200' sheer outcrop of crumbling columnar basalt, a result of the ancient Missoula Floods that at one time scoured and formed the Columbia River Gorge into the shape it is today. The loop trail first heads west, skirting the base of the wall, offering views of the colorful, lichen-stained rock face and talus slopes, before heading into denser forest. At the westernmost point of the loop, the views open up to the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. Turning east, head through more forest, then emerge onto the top edge of the Coyote Wall, into huge meadows, dotted with rocky volcanic outcrops and an abundance of wildflowers. Hiking Day The trailhead begins just past a gated road, at the corner of Hwy 14 and Courtney Rd. A couple hundred yards up the road, at an abandoned cattle chute, hang a left (your only left turn of the loop) and start the trail clockwise. The trail gradually heads upwards, through stands of oak and ponderosa pine, with small meadows displaying buttercup, candyflower, and a variety of other small colors. As the tree cover begins to thicken, pass a faint trail that branches off to the right; this leads up a steep path to a notch in the wall (this could make for a shorter loop). Arriving at a main T-junction, take the right trail, and continue on a gradually fading trail until you come to a gate on an old forest lane. Just past the gate is Courtney Rd; turn right and start up the road. You’ll pass a secluded house on the left, round a couple more bends, then arrive at the westernmost bend in the road, and the scene opens for a spectacular look down on the Columbia River, Hood River on the Oregon side, and distant Mt. Hood. Top of the Wall Continuing up Courtney Rd, pass a beautiful house on the left with grand views, then bear right on Atwood Rd, which ends shortly and turns back into trail. Now on top of the Coyote Wall, heading east through pine forest, keep your eyes open for fairyslipper and blue buttons. There are several “No Trespassing” signs in the area, so stick to the trail. When you arrive at a junction with left and right options, continue straight ahead (the trail to the right descends to the lower section of the loop passed earlier). Soon the trail turns to the right, mounts a small, grassy rise, and deposits you at the edge of Coyote Wall, with more spectacular views and wide-open meadows filled with balsamroot, lupine and cluster lily. Drop your pack to stop and savor the scene. River View Once you’ve had your fill and are ready to pick up again, the trail – now trails, as this area is known as “the labyrinth” – continues east. Choose to hike along the edge of the wall, or straight down through meadow - the trails will merge again farther down. Pass through an opening in a wood and barbed wire gate, and again choose your path, descending through a big, meadowed slope. Several other trails snake back and forth across this hillside; ignore those and continue straight down. At another fenced opening at a T-junction, bear right to keep descending along the edge of the wall, or turn left and descend through a tree-shaded creek swale (this will deposit you a little farther east at the end). The trail continues to descend back toward the road, along the edge of Coyote Wall, with opportunities to view the length of the wall as you wander down through rock-strewn meadows. When the trail ends at a now-closed section of old highway, turn right and head back to your starting point. Notes: This trail is popular with mountain bikers, and though hikers technically have the right-of-way, be cautious and courteous. This area is home to ticks and poison oak; take the appropriate precautions. Rattlesnakes have been seen in summer months—be aware. This report has also been posted on the Washington Trails Assn. website. Image gallery Find a GPS track of this hike on Backpacker.com (coming soon...).