Lewis: Discover Forests, Rivers, and History

Old forests, riverbanks, lakes, and historic sites offer a wide variety of reasons to explore Lewis. 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. Outdoor experiences by the water and in the forest sit alongside places that tell the stories of railroad, pioneer, and military history. When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first consider whether your outings will focus more on trails and water or on museums and local history.

Rivers, Lakes, and Long Routes

The Cowlitz River is suitable for fishing for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon; seasonal rules may apply to these fish species. Near Interstate 5 Exit 57, an access area offers bank fishing and a boat launch. Check conditions there before your visit. Ike Kinswa State Park is located on the shore of Mayfield Lake. Activities offered there include swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a boat launch and 1.5-mile hiking and biking trails.

The White Pass Scenic Byway passes through the eastern part of Lewis County and provides access to the volcanic area and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The route 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. It also provides access to Mayfield Lake, Riffe Lake, and Scanewa Lake for swimming, fishing, and camping. Check road conditions and possible closures separately.

Other routes lead to viewpoints of Mount St. Helens. Hopkins Hill Viewpoint offers a view of the crater 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 in advance. A route through Randle leads to Windy Ridge, which is suitable for hikers and mountain bikers. Check whether this route is accessible before you drive.

Forest Trails and River Landscapes

The 616-acre Lewis and Clark State Park is a campground in an old-growth forest. Activities there include hiking, camping, and horseback riding on wooded trails. The eight-mile multi-use trails are intended for horseback riders and hikers; operations are subject to seasonal conditions.

The 129-acre Rainbow Falls State Park, also a campground, is located on the Chehalis River. A spur trail connects it directly to the Willapa Hills State Park Trail. This trail runs 56 miles between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County and is suitable for pedestrians, horseback riders, cyclists, and skaters. Its length makes it a different touring option from the trails within a single park.

The Packwood Lake Trail leads into part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Its trailhead is about five miles outside Packwood, at the end of Forest Road 1260; parking is available there. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for the trailhead. Since road conditions and pass requirements can change, check both again before driving. At Packwood Lake, there is also a ranger station about a hundred years old, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A shorter option with a clearly stated distance is the 1.5-mile Iron Creek Campground Loop Trail: it is accessible and has a moderate incline. The first half runs along the Cispus River. The remains of an old railroad trestle over the riverbed are also beside the trail. This loop combines a stretch of river with a visible relic of railroad history.

Museums, Historic Sites, and City Visits

The Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis features exhibits, personal stories, and historical artifacts about military veterans; visitors can also experience interactive exhibits there. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit. 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 timber and railroad history of Lewis County. In front of the museum, beneath a pavilion, stands a restored tree stump from which Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech on May 23, 1903.

Claquato Church was built in 1858 and is preserved as a historic site by Lewis County Parks. Interior tours are seasonal and available by request. St. Urban Church was completed in 1891; local congregation members, including descendants of the original founders, restored it to nearly its original condition. The Borst Home offers group and special tours from April through September by prior arrangement. Three weeks' advance notice is required.

Hand-painted murals in historic downtown Centralia tell the story of the city. In historic downtown Chehalis, a self-guided Art Tour takes visitors through local art. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad offers another perspective on the Chehalis River Valley: its scenic rides take place in restored historic railcars. Themed events include holiday specials and dinner trains; seasonal offerings may vary, so it is worth checking the schedule.

Choosing the Right Vacation Rental for Your Outings

When choosing your vacation rental, the balance of nature and culture you want is a helpful starting point. If hikes, riverbanks, and lakes are to shape your stay, you can match the trails and parks mentioned above to your planned outing days. Those who prefer museums, historic buildings, or art in the cities can make these visits the focus of their plans. Compare the location of your accommodation with the specific destinations you want to visit, and take seasonal conditions, opening hours, and required advance reservations into account.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Napavine, Packwood, Centralia, Chehalis, Glenoma, Clark, Kittitas County, Franklin County.

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