Klondike Park Hikes

White sands and cliffs surround a clear water lake at Klondike Park in St. Charles County just west of Defiance, Mo.

I hiked the paved trail around a lake, then did two other hikes that go along Missouri River hills at this 250-acre park.

LAKE LOOP TRAIL

Klondike Park was once the site of an old silica sand quarry and that is the centerpiece of the .6-mile paved trail with a 92-foot elevation gain I walked.

I parked in a lot near the restrooms. A sign near the start of the trail talks about the mining operation and the drilling and blasting that took place to get to the limestone or silica sand.

Then I walked down some wooden steps.

I saw a lizard scurrying about along the railing and took a picture of this brown-striped skink.

Next, I went left at the start of the loop walking through the sandy white landscape filled with evergreens.

RIght turn towards boardwalk — *Right* turn towards the *boardwalk*

The trail intersected with the Lewis and Clark Trail that goes to the left and goes along Missouri Highway 94 and towards the Katy Trail and boat ramp.

I went to the right to a wooden and metal boardwalk that crosses the lake.

Now I was on the opposite side of the white sand lake and took a moment to stop along the lake in a white beach-like area.

The white sand here gives the area an almost snow-like appearance.

Behind me, the sand goes to high cliffs.

I go to the right and continue to go along the lake. On the left is a small playground, amphitheater, restroom, and picnic shelter.

Along the lake is a kayak rental station.

The trail again goes close to the lake and I watch as fish dart about.

Then I come to some green lichen with a spiderweb that has a hole in the middle for the spider.

Going up a hill I come across a playground with different climbing structures then come to a path that leads back to the parking lot. This time I noticed I could have skipped the stairs and taken a paved trail to the right.

Final Thoughts

This is my favorite short hike in St. Charles County. The white sands and cliffs feel like another world in St. Louis.

HOGBACK TRAIL

This trail is listed as 1.16 miles but does not include the paved section or the overlook, which then makes it a 1.7-mile walk with 210 feet of elevation gain.

I parked in the lot near the Conference Center near the trailhead. You can also connect to this trail from the lake parking area.

The Back Side of a River Hill

From the trailhead, you could go straight up to the river hill section of this hike first. I opted instead to go to the left and do the paved section that follows the park road.

Then I came to the Lewis and Clark Trail and went to the right. Look for the unpaved Hogsback Trail immediately to the far right before Lewis and Clark Trail bridge. This is easy to miss.

The trail sign is up the hill some. It says Trail Closed, meaning it is only for hikers and not bikers. My last hike in the park follows the bike trails.

I cross a wooden bridge and the trail goes high above a creek.

Another wooden boardwalk goes around a ravine.

As you get closer to the river hill section you go into switchbacks.

An area here goes along a limestone ledge. I didn’t look below it fearing a good location for possible snakes.

Then I came to a dead tree splintered with a hole in the middle.

Coming to a cliff wall the trail now follows the river.

River Hill Section

It is hard to see the river along this part of the walk since a fence separates you from the cliffs. I guess I can understand that this is a heavily used trail and people have been getting too close to the edge, but it is disappointing nonetheless.

Lookout

Next, I came to the end of the Hogsback trail and could take the paved trail back to the parking or go out to the lookout that ends at a rocky gravel spot.

A wall kept me away from the cliff’s edge, but I had open views of the valley below and the Labadie Power Plant across the Missouri River.

Although I was not alone here. Turkey buzzards flew all around me. One even sat on the cement pillar of a fence. I was wanting to take more photos of where he was, but he was a bit intimidating as he was eyeing me as I walked around. Then I remember that we were at the Lake of the Ozarks and signs were warning of buzzard attacks.

Overlook Trail to the parking lot. — *Overlook Trail to the parkin*g lot.

I headed back down the paved Overlook Trail to the parking area.

Final Thoughts

I liked the hike in the woods along the creek and the lookout at the end was the best part of this hike.

DONKEY KONG, STRIP MINE, AND POWERLINE LOOP TRAIL

This hike involves 1.7 miles of hiking along different connected trails with a 200-foot elevation gain.

Start of the Hike

I parked in a small lot past the Lake Trail parking on the right. The walk begins along the Powerline Trail passing by a park office, camping shower house, and an old tank.

I came to a boardwalk I assumed was built for the bikes so they don’t get stuck in the sand.

*Views of the valley below through the trees*

Next, the trail went through rocky terrain with occasional river views and Labadie Power Plant.

Donjo’s Trail

After crossing a wooden bridge came to a sign with arrows and went to the left along the Donjo’s Trail.

I stayed to the left along this trail. At one point the trail divided and I kept to the left. If I had gone to the right, I would have been along the Strip Mine Loop. I followed this trail as it wrapped around cliffs with far-off hill views.

Donkey Kong Loop Trail

Finally, I came to the Donkey Kong Loop. This was a cool biking area.

I found a circular wooden ramp.

Then a four-foot drop-off wall that if you are a good cyclist you can go down.

Then the even more rigid 30-foot sandstone formation that I had to work to go down and could not imagine riding a bike down.

Going Back

Then I came out of the Donkey Kong Trail and to the old maintenance road that completes the loop. If you look to the left, you can see a fence that keeps you out of a strip-mined area. This old road took me back to the Powerline Trail and then back to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

I used the AllTrails app to help navigate, but there are many trail connections in here so bring a compass or monitor where you are at. Even the trail map does not show all the trail connections that are here. Know that if you go to your left, you’ll come to the old mine road and head south which leads back to the trailhead. I might explore this area again since I like all the different bike setups they have.

More Trails

Over by Shelter 3 and the small playground is the .25-mile River Trail that goes to the Missouri River.

On the south side of the lake along the paved trail is a connector to the Katy Trail.

Also, extensions of the paved trail connect different parts of the park with the camping area.

DETAILS

Other Amenities: Picnic shelters, special event rentals, camping, and cabins.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to exit 10 and go west on Missouri Highway 94 and look for the entrance to the park on the left after you pass the Klondike Park Boat Ramp.

Hours: 7 a.m. to a half hour after sunset

Address: 4600 Highway 94 S. Augusta, MO 63332