Forest trails, lakes and historic places give a trip to Lewis a range of different focuses: you can explore multi-use trails, spend time by the water or learn about railroad and pioneer history. When planning, it’s worth keeping the distances and conditions of each offering in mind—not every outing follows the same pace.
Forest Trails and Hikes
Lewis and Clark State Park is a 616-acre campground in an old-growth forest. Activities include hiking, camping and horseback riding on forested trails; park operations are seasonal. The park also has eight miles of multi-use trails for hikers and horseback riders. Willapa Hills State Park Trail is a longer option: it runs for 56 miles between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County. The trail is open to pedestrians, horseback riders, cyclists and skaters. Rainbow Falls State Park connects to this trail via a spur and is a 129-acre campground on the Chehalis River.
The Packwood Lake Trail begins at a trailhead about five miles outside Packwood, at the end of Forest Road 1260, where parking is available. The trail leads into part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead. Since Forest Road conditions and pass requirements can change, check both before you drive. At Packwood Lake is a ranger station about 100 years old, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Iron Creek Campground Loop Trail offers a shorter route of 1.5 miles. It is described as an accessible trail with a moderate grade. The first half follows the Cispus River; the trail also passes the remains of an old railroad trestle over the riverbed. The trails therefore differ in more than just length: here, a manageable loop combines riverside scenery with a visible historic remnant.
Rivers, Lakes and the White Pass Scenic Byway
Ike Kinswa State Park is located on Mayfield Lake. Activities listed there include swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, kayaking and nature watching. A boat launch and 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails add to the offerings. Facilities and information may change, so check current conditions before your visit. The Cowlitz River is also a defining part of the area’s waterscape: it is 105 miles long, with more than half of its course in Lewis County. Dams on the river created Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake. Salmon, steelhead and sturgeon fishing is available on the Cowlitz; opportunities are subject to seasonal regulations. An access area near Interstate 5 Exit 57 offers bank fishing and a boat launch; check conditions there in advance as well.
The White Pass Scenic Byway runs through the eastern part of Lewis County and provides access to the volcanic area and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It is more than 100 miles long and runs from the area east of the intersection of U.S. 12 and Jackson Highway to Yakima County near Naches. Along the byway, there are also access points to Mayfield Lake, Riffe Lake and Scanewa Lake for swimming, fishing and camping. Check road conditions and closures separately before you drive.
Museums, Railroads and Historic Buildings
The Lewis County Historical Museum is housed in a historic Northern Pacific Railway depot dating from 1912. Its exhibits cover early settlement, pioneer life, and the county’s timber and railroad history; exhibit topics may change. In front of the museum, a restored tree stump is displayed beneath a pavilion. Theodore Roosevelt used it as a platform for a speech on May 23, 1903. The Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis honors military veterans through exhibits, personal stories and historic artifacts. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check opening hours before your visit. The exhibits are interactive.
Buildings also tell different chapters of local history. Claquato Church was built in 1858 and is maintained by Lewis County Parks; interior tours are available seasonally by request. St. Urban Church was completed in 1891. Local community members, including descendants of the original founders, restored it to nearly its original condition. Group and special tours at the Borst Home are available by appointment from April through September; three weeks’ advance notice is required.
For public art, there are two more perspectives: historic downtown Centralia features hand-painted murals depicting the city’s history. In Chehalis, a self-guided art tour takes you through local art in the historic center. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad also offers scenic rides through the Chehalis River Valley in restored historic railcars. Seasonal themed offerings include holiday specials and dinner trains; check schedules and events for your preferred date.
Discover more destinations: Napavine, Packwood, Centralia, Chehalis, Glenoma, Klickitat County, Whatcom, King.
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