Two New Loops at Lyle Cherry Orchard
Thanks to the work of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and a grant from the National Park Service, WTA will embark on the creation of two new loops and reroute on a section of the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail in Southwest Washington.
This fall, WTA will begin work on two new loops and reroute a section of the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail in Southwest Washington. The project is possible thanks to the work of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and a grant from the National Park Service.
“This was a real collaborative effort,” said Ryan Ojerio, WTA’s southwest regional manager. “We’ve combined everyone’s strengths into a great project. Such coalitions will be the driver of new trail systems that will stand the test of time.”
The Lyle Cherry Orchard is home to some pretty stunning views. Photo by Heidi Walker.
WTA will host four weekend-long work parties, supported in part by Friends of the Columbia Gorge, kicking off in October. Volunteers can join in for the whole weekend, with camping and a potluck, or volunteer for a single day. Although WTA will coordinate the construction process, Ryan is hoping to engage other members of the trail community as well.
“Like the spring Trail Skills College we co-host, we hope this project will be another opportunity for us to work with volunteers from the Pacific Crest Trail Association, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Mazamas and other like-minded nonprofits,” he said.
The existing Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail is 2.5 miles and leads to an old cherry orchard where hikers turn around and return the same way. That will change this fall. A new lollipop loop will extend the trail to new viewpoints and add 0.6 mile of trail.
In 2019, work will begin on a new loop trail to access the northwest corner of the Lyle Cherry Orchard property. This loop will provide an additional 2 miles of new trail, as well as feature views from a higher elevation than the Cherry Orchard Loop.
To sign up for work parties, go to wta.org/volunteer.
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