Lewis: Discover forest trails, lakes, and regional history

A trip to Lewis can focus on forest trails, waterscapes, and regional history as distinct themes.

Forest Trails and Longer Excursions

Lewis and Clark State Park covers 616 acres and is a campground in an old-growth forest with mature trees. Activities include hiking, camping, and horseback riding on forested trails. Eight miles of multi-use trails are designated for horseback riders and hikers; seasonal operating conditions apply to the park.

The Willapa Hills State Park Trail runs for 56 miles between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County. It is suitable for pedestrians, horseback riders, cyclists, and skaters. A spur connects Rainbow Falls State Park directly to the trail. The campground is on the Chehalis River and covers 129 acres.

Near Packwood, the Packwood Lake Trail begins about five miles outside town, at the end of Forest Road 1260; parking is available at the trailhead. The trail leads into part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead; check the requirements again before setting out. Conditions on Forest Road 1260 can also change. At Packwood Lake is a ranger station about 100 years old, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

A shorter loop with a clearly stated distance is the 1.5-mile Iron Creek Campground Loop Trail. It is accessible and has a moderate grade. The first half follows the Cispus River; the remains of an old railway trestle over the riverbed can be seen along the way.

Lakes, Rivers, and Routes

The Cowlitz River is 105 miles long; more than half of its course lies in Lewis County. Dams on the river created Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake. The Cowlitz River offers fishing for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon; seasonal regulations apply. Near Interstate 5 Exit 57, there is an access area with shoreline fishing and a boat launch. Check current conditions before visiting.

On the shore of Mayfield Lake, Ike Kinswa State Park offers swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and nature watching. Facilities include a boat launch and 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails. Individual facilities and notices may change; check current conditions in advance. The White Pass Scenic Byway also provides access to Mayfield Lake, Riffe Lake, and Scanewa Lake for swimming, fishing, and camping.

The White Pass Scenic Byway runs through the eastern part of Lewis County and provides access to the volcanic region 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. Check road conditions and possible closures separately before setting out.

For a view of Mount St. Helens’ crater, Hopkins Hill Viewpoint offers a vista over intervening ridges. A route through Toledo leads to Johnston Ridge, where visitors can see the crater and explore the surrounding trails; check current access and facilities before setting out. A route through Randle leads to Windy Ridge at Mount St. Helens and is suitable for hikers and mountain bikers. Access may be restricted seasonally or due to operating conditions. Schaefer County Park offers opportunities for hiking and fishing.

Museums and Historic Sites

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; specific exhibit content may change. A restored tree stump is displayed beneath a pavilion in front of the museum. Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech from this stump on May 23, 1903.

The Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis features exhibits, personal stories, and historical artifacts about military veterans, including interactive exhibits. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check opening hours before you arrive. In historic downtown Centralia, hand-painted murals tell the city’s story; in the historic center of Chehalis, a self-guided art tour takes visitors through local art.

Claquato Church was built in 1858 and is preserved as a historic site by Lewis County Parks. Interior visits are available seasonally and by request. St. Urban Church was completed in 1891 and restored by local community members, including descendants of the original founders, to nearly its original condition. Group and special tours at Borst Home are available by advance reservation from April through September; allow three weeks’ notice.

Railway Rides and Events

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad offers scenic rides through the Chehalis River Valley in restored historic railcars. Themed events include holiday excursions and dinner trains; offerings may vary by season. Schedules can change, so check dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Napavine, Packwood, Centralia, Chehalis, Glenoma, Asotin, Pacific County, Spokane

For the broader travel overview: Washington.