You have to walk your dog from October to April in the Pacific Northwest – the struggle is real. Not only do you get cold and wet, but your faithful pup comes home a muddy mess, which you now have to clean up. Every. Single. Day.
The secret here is choosing places to walk your dog where he won’t come back a mud ball. Paths that are gravel or paved are the best choices during the raining season. The following are a list of local walks that are sure to keep those paws pretty even in the wettest weather.
Willapa Hills Trail
Chehalis trailhead off I-5 exit 77
This beautiful trail is a combination of paved and gravel, making it one of the most scenic and mud-free trails available in Lewis County. It’s also the longest. You and your dog can go for miles and miles without needing a bath when you get home. You can walk all the way to Pe Ell if you want. Aside from the changing leaves, there’s a chance you’ll see wildlife and you’ll definitely get a look at many of our rivers with the multiple bridges you will cross. These stunning bridges replaced the old train trestles. Not for the faint of heart – they are high – but the views are breathtaking. Be sure to pick up after your dog.
Downtown Walks
Any Lewis County City
If you are not into nature, one of the best ways to stay out of the mud is to take a stroll in your local downtown. Mossyrock, Centralia, Chehalis, Doty, Randle – whichever quaint city you call home, has plenty of window shopping to keep your attention while your dog stretches his legs. Or drive to a nearby city for a change of scenery.
Since you will be in town, be respectful and keep your pup on a leash and pick up after them. This will help ensure our dogs are always welcome.
Historic Chehalis Downtown Walking Tour
Chehalis
This is a fun way to not only get out and walk your dog, but to learn about Chehalis history at the same time. You can download the free map on the Lewis County Historical Museum’s website or pick one up inside the museum (no dogs allowed inside). The map has 42 places of interest and covers most of downtown Chehalis.
Borst Park Trails
Borst Park, Centralia
Fort Borst Park has few trails of compacted gravel that are perfect for dog walking. Even better, one of the trails goes right past the dog park, so it’s perfect if you want to stop and let your dog run a bit. Of course, the dog park is not mud-free, but the rest of the trail is dry with a nice woodsy setting. When not in the dog park, be sure to keep your dog leashed and to pick up after him.
Airport Levee Trail
I-5 exit 77
This trail is a good mix of nature and in-town walking. Roughly 3.5 miles in length, it consists of compacted gravel and pavement. The trail starts out by the levee and passes by the large retailers nearby, including Kmart, Home Depot and Walmart. Home Depot and PetSense are dog friendly, so feel free to step inside and do some shopping. There are picnic tables and poop bags at the parking lot. The roads are busy, so for his safety, keep your dog leashed and pick up after him.
Discovery Trail
I-5 exit 82
This beautiful trail follows the river and gives walkers many opportunities to birdwatch, so bring your binoculars as well as your dog. Because of the wildlife, there is a strict leash policy. In addition, the trail runs next to a working farm, and they ask that you give farm equipment the right of way. It’s a short trail, but definitely worth it. Be sure to pick up after dog here as well.
Wet Weather Walking Tips
- A dog raincoat can help your pup stay dry.
- If your dog has sensitive feet that may get bruised on gravel, doggie booties are a functional accessory. Let them get used to them by walking around your house before you head out on the trail.
- If it’s been icy, beware of deicer. Most commonly used deicers are poisonous to your dog, so make sure they don’t lick their paws or the pavement. Wash off their feet when you get back home.
- Leather and biothane leashes and collars are waterproof and do not absorb the “wet dog smell” that nylon does. They are a good choice for the wet season.
