Home › Washington › Chehalis › Willapa Hills State Park Trail - Chehalis Trailhead
Willapa Hills State Park Trail - Chehalis Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 309 Google reviews · Running trail in Chehalis, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Willapa Hills State Park Trail - Chehalis Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved walking, biking and horseback-riding trail following a route once used by railway cars.
What runners say about Willapa Hills State Park Trail - Chehalis Trailhead
“It is a very scenic trail with trees with colorful leaves that were turning yellow and red.”
“So quiet and not really that much traffic once you hit the gravel.”
My friend and I checked out this trail about a month ago and we both love it very much. It's very interesting that this trail used to be a railroad so it feels like we are walking on history. Definitely a place I will bike a lot this summer
The trail is for the most part flat. I walked about 3 miles out from the trailhead and back. It is fairly well maintained with the exception of a fee rough patches and some sections where slippery/slimey (due to moisture) leaves were on the paved path.
A fantastic rail to trail. We did the first 15 miles to Rainbow Falls State Park. They’ve done a great job converting the rail bed to be bikable. There are many bridges that have been converted to bike path.
Beautiful bike trail through rural Lewis County. Paved for about 6 miles on the eastern end, but most of the rest of the trail is on hard packed gravel/dirt so doable for all except very narrow tire road bijes.
Trail conditions & character
“Paved for about 6 miles on the eastern end, but most of the rest of the trail is on hard packed gravel/dirt so doable for all except very narrow tire road bijes.”
“Disregard the signage that had the arrow outbound pointing left for the trailhead, it is for parking.”
“The route goes through farmland and mature forest with lots wild apple trees on the sides and blackberries and very pleasant views of farmland, forest and the Chehalis river.”
“Paved for about 6 miles on the eastern end, but most of the rest of the trail is on hard packed gravel/dirt so doable for all except very narrow tire road bijes.”
“In summary, this is a nice flat ride with plenty of shade and occasional views of the Chehalis River.”
“So quiet and not really that much traffic once you hit the gravel.”
“Even more after my car accident left me in an electric wheelchair.”
Plan your run at Willapa Hills State Park Trail - Chehalis Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.state.wa.us
- Phone+1 360-291-3767
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Chehalis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Seminary Hill Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 373 reviews
Hilltop natural area overlooking the city, providing over 2 miles of hiking trails & picnic tables.
Cedar Street Park
3.7 ★★★★☆ 62 reviews
Playground for youngsters with a basketball court, plus a light show and other events.
Brick Wagner Park
3.6 ★★★★☆ 94 reviews
Created in 1929, this quaint, dog-friendly, waterfront park offers fishing, picnic tables & benches.
Fort Borst Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,738 reviews
Recreation area with a variety of sports fields, an arboretum, picnic spots & walking trails.
Rotary Riverside Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 472 reviews
Riverfront open space spanning 14 acres with a skateboard park, trails, playing fields & playground.
Wilbur Parkins Park
3.4 ★★★☆☆ 51 reviews