Description:
The Rails-to-Trails website did a good job describing this trail, so I'm going to cut and paste the info: The Willapa Hills Trail runs 56 miles between Chehalis and South Bend in Washington. Formerly a Northern Pacific Railway, this corridor was railbanked and converted into a rail-trail. The 5 mile section from Raymond to South Bend is paved and follows the Willapa River. The trail offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing. Visitors will find picnic facilities and restrooms at Riverfront Park in Raymond. The trail has modest grades and gorgeous water and valley views and there are plans to restore the historic swinging bridge along this trail.
We really enjoyed this quiet trail and being out in the open country. I like that the trail ahead looks like it reaches out to infinity. The section we walked started in Chehalis, and we look forward to exploring other sections of the trail in the future.
Location & Parking:
Map and Directions can be found at the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website. We parked at an access location just down the street from the Chehalis Steam Train Station. There's really only enough space to park 3-4 cars.
2 comments:
Planning to walk the entire trail this year with a buddy starting in South Bend and ending near Chehalis. Looking forward to it! Just need the right weekend and weather!
I really enjoy this trail. My husband and I do a different segment each time, and we've started in Chehalis. It might take a few summers to finish because of our busy schedules. Last summer we got out almost to Rainbow Falls State Park. The trail is particularly lovely in October, when the leaves are changing colors.
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