Willapa Hills State Park Trail

Highlights

A softer-paced, countryside rail-trail ride with real distance potential and a quietly beautiful sweep from farms to forest to tidewater country.

Riding

At 56 miles overall, Willapa Hills sounds like a simple rail-trail—and in spirit it is—but surface conditions vary widely. The best-developed sections are more polished, while other stretches remain rougher and more adventurous. That mix lets you choose comfort or ambition depending on the day.

Rideable terrain

56 miles

Trailer parking

Chehalis and selected Lewis County trailheads are best for horse trailers; equestrian parking is typically easiest from the more developed eastern access points.

Horse regulations

Horses are allowed, but current closures and trail-surface conditions matter. State Parks notes washouts and unsafe trestle sections, so this is another destination where the map and current alert page deserve your attention before hauling.

Getting here

The Chehalis trailhead is the practical place to begin for many equestrians, especially because the eastern end is the most developed and easiest to understand. From there, the trail feels approachable and well suited to riders building longer-distance confidence.

Planning your visit

Use the improved eastern sections first if you want the smoothest equestrian experience. Bring a Discover Pass, expect a mix of asphalt, compacted gravel, and rougher ballast areas, and avoid assuming the entire trail rides with the same polish.

Where to stay

The trail itself is day-use only, but nearby communities and the ability to pair sections with other southwest Washington stops make it flexible for a multi-day itinerary. It works particularly well for riders planning a broader regional road trip.