Walkers, cyclists and equestrians can take in dramatic views of the Chehalis River from High Bridge 23 on the new section of Willapa Hills Trail.
Walkers, cyclists and equestrians can take in dramatic views of the Chehalis River from High Bridge 23 on the new section of Willapa Hills Trail.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission recently completed work to improve four miles of pathway on the Willapa Hills Trail west of Pe Ell. That work included grading and adding compacted gravel in order to create a smoother surface.
According to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the completion of that work means that there are now 26 miles of traversable trail from Chehalis west past the Lewis County line. That course includes about 5.5 miles of paved trail from the Mint City trailhead to Bunker Creek west of Adna.
“We believe this development will be of interest to Chronicle readers, as spring has arrived, and local hikers, cyclists and equestrians are already hitting the trails,” wrote Meryl Lipman, a representative for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, in an email to The Chronicle.
The 56-mile trail follows a historic railroad grade and there is currently a 25-mile gap between the terminus of the western and eastern sections. The recently upgraded section of the trail west of Pe Ell terminates at Bridge 26 over Rock Creek.
“It actually finishes Lewis County and goes into Pacific County,” noted Lipman.
A press release from the Parks and Recreation Commission noted that plans are currently in place to connect the Willapa Hills Trail from Chehalis to South Bend by 2025. That work would include trail surface improvements and safety upgrades at old trestles.
The work to improve the four-mile section west of Pe Ell was completed over a six-month period with contributions from numerous stakeholders including Lewis County Community Trails, the City of Raymond and the Washington State Parks Foundation. The project cost a total of $600,000 and was funded in part by grants from the Washington Wildlife Recreation Program, Federal Highways, Boeing and Lewis County Community Trails.
The Willapa Hills Trail is one of five long-distance recreational trails managed for multiple use by Washington State Parks and Recreation. Those trails are open to non-motorized recreation including hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. A press release noted that the Willapa Hills “‘rail trail’ park is a key element of State Parks’ long-term plan for a cross-state trail network.”
The right-of-way to the abandoned spur track formerly owned and operated by the Northern Pacific Railway was acquired by State Parks and Recreation in 1993. The trail includes short paved sections at either end, from Chehalis to Adna and South Bend to Raymond, as well as 20 miles of compacted gravel trail, 30 restored or rebuilt bridges and access to Rainbow Falls State park which provides camping and other recreation opportunities at mile 16 west of Chehalis.
