Along the trails of Lewis County, there are a handful of runners experiencing the majesty of our region, one stride at a time. Trail running is becoming one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities around the nation, including right here in Lewis County. As runners find the routes along roads to be less than scenic, pain inducing and lacking in variation, those hoping for something new and rewarding are turning to the miles of trails around every corner of our region.
Through dense forests, along majestic rivers and creeks, next to breathtaking waterfalls and weaving along famous trails in pristine wilderness regions, the trails of Lewis County provide a great introduction to trail running and yet another excuse to go outside and enjoy nature. While trail running can be done on any neighborhood trail, Lewis County has six great paths that are amazing for beginners or those advanced runners hoping to complete something memorable.
Seminary Hill
East of Centralia, just a short distance from the strip malls and restaurants along Interstate 5, the Seminary Hill Natural Area is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to get out and have a fun run. Passing through a beautiful forest and getting a fantastic glimpse of the Centralia, Chehalis and the Chehalis or Skookumchuck River Valleys, the 2.5-mile trail system makes for an incredible introduction to trail running, letting you take loops for as long as your legs allow. Gaining just 320 feet in elevation, the trail starts at the end of Barnes Drive where you have a few options of routes. The best route for maximum distance and elevation is to start on the Barnes Trail, take a left on the Kiser Trail to the end and run back to your car along the Indian Pipe Trail.
Packwood Lake
Perfect for three of the four seasons, the 10-mile long Packwood Lake Trail should be considered one of the classic trail runs in Lewis County. Gaining 600 feet of elevation, this out-and-back trail starts off with four gorgeous miles of old-growth forest in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, letting you stride through seemingly untouched natural beauty. Glimpses of Mount Rainier and the peaks of the Goat Rocks are available before reaching the lake, but the true gem is the lake itself. Right before the lake, keep an eye out for a guard station that was built in the early 1900s. This hike is best in the spring months, when wildflowers are blooming in full and the snowy peaks are perfectly reflected off the lake. Those looking for more can push on and reach Mosquito and Lost Lakes, or just rest along the shore and take in the incredible views.
Pack Forest Trails
While technically not in Lewis County, the trails of the Pack Forest are close enough that they count. Two trails stand out as your best bets for an incredible run along single-track paths. The first is the 4.5-mile run trip trek up to Hugo Peak, which gains around 800 feet of elevation. While steep for some, the trail is beautifully maintained and worth the effort. While accessible year round, make sure you are ready for some mud after heavy rain. Keep in mind that while this is a peak, it is only 1,790 feet above sea level and offers minimal views. For a more visually rewarding hike that isn’t as steep, head to Little Mashel Falls, which is a five-mile roundtrip run. Gaining just 500 feet, the path passes three waterfalls in a pristine forest setting. With bridge crossings and single track trails, this is a must run. For extra mileage, tack on the one mile Trail of the Giants loop trail.
Rainbow Falls State Park
Often overlooked, the trails at Rainbow Falls State Park are perfect to get out and put in some miles on empty trails. Complete with stunning old growth forests and gorgeous river views, Washington State Parks claims that this 139-acre park has 10 miles of trails to run and explore. While that may be true, the best run in the park is the outer perimeter loop, which is around three miles in length, according to Washington Trails. Gaining just 200 feet of elevation, this mostly flat trail is fantastic, allowing you to stride out next to giant cedar, hemlock or fir tree.
Willapa Hills
As the longest trail in Lewis County, the 56-mile Willapa Hills trail stretches from Chehalis to South Bend and is a fun and historic run. Crossing over countless railroad trestles and giving unrivaled views of the entire county, the full length is rarely completed in full, as numerous sections still need work. However, the sections that are open to the public are incredible and should be added to your list of running destinations. Currently, 27 miles of the route are ready for runners and offer up a nice, flat and easy run. Keep in mind that this trail rotates from pavement to gravel to mixed surfaces through the route. A great introduction to this area is to run the first 5.2 miles, from Hillberger Road in Chehalis to Trestle number five near Adna’s Bunker Creek Road.
Longmire to Narada Falls
Finally, no trail running list in Lewis County is complete without experiencing a section of Mount Rainier National Park’s Wonderland Trail. While the 93-mile trail circles the entire volcano, an easy and fun way to get to know the famous trail is to run from Longmire to Narada Falls and back. At approximately 9.3 miles in distance and gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, this run is an incredible workout that rewards you with endless eye candy. Following an old carriage road, that trail quickly becomes single track once again, giving incredible views of towering ancient timber before reaching the Nisqually River and heading to the breathtaking views of Narada Falls. This run is an epic way to experience this trail and will more than likely get you hooked on trail running as your new favorite activity. One word of caution on this trail is to make sure the bridges crossing the river and creeks are intact. While accessible during all but the winter months, the bridges can often wash away, cutting short a planned long run.
