A rare cluster of old-growth trees creates an inspiring shadow to stand in. Rainbow Falls State Park, 16 miles west of Chehalis, is a walker’s paradise. Miles of loamy trails wind through the forest and along the river, to a small cascade that throws rainbows of spray at the sun.

Tree lovers, maybe you’d rather see towering Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar trees from your bike or the back of your steed. Many of the park trails are mixed-use, and if you need more, take to the nearby Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a rails-to-trails fixture that goes over trestles and bridges, through forest, farmland and tiny towns.

Rainbow Falls is the obvious overnight stop for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders tackling the developed 22 miles of Willapa Hills Trail from Chehalis to Pe El. Such explorers may stay at hiker/biker campsites, or camp with their horses in one of two equestrian sites.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, Rainbow Falls showcases several structures designed in the rustic style of the National Park Service during the Great Depression, including kitchen shelters and comfort stations still in use today.

Rainbow Falls State Park

One of five long-distance routes managed by Washington State Parks, the Willapa Hills State Park Trail is a key segment in the cross-state network spanning from the Idaho border to the shores of Willapa Bay. 

This relatively flat, 56-mile-long route represents the western segment of the overall system. Originally acquired by State Parks from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1993, it is aligned east/west between Chehalis and South Bend where it intersects US Highway 101. 

Passible in most weather conditions and open year round, the trail offers recreational options for pedestrians, non-motorized wheeled uses and equestrians. It serves as a linear setting for visitors who come to enjoy scenic views of the Willapa Valley, its many farms, small towns and rivers. Family friendly and easy to access, it accommodates small and large groups with several developed trailheads available. 

Trailheads in Lewis County include Chehalis, Adna, Rainbow Falls State Park and Pe Ell. Pacific County offers access points at Lebam, Menlo, Raymond and South Bend. 

Surface condition varies between the cities of Chehalis and South Bend. Beginning in Chehalis, the trail is surfaced with asphalt through the town of Adna where it transitions to compacted gravel at mile 5 until reaching mile 27, west of Pe Ell.   

 In Pacific County, the trail remains unimproved west of mile 27 all the way to the Raymond city limits near mile 52. Here, the trail transitions into asphalt for 5 miles between Raymond and South Bend where it terminates at a small trailhead accessed by Highway 101. 

There is much more work that remains to complete the trail in Pacific County. Half of the former railroad bridges require shoring up, decking and safety rails. Many miles of trail are rough or impassible for some because it is surfaced with railroad ballast. Ballast is the rock that was installed historically by the railroad to support the railroad tracks. As funding becomes available, improvements will be made to open the entire trail.   

State Parks Tagged With: Chehalis