Willapa Hills
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Rail Trail Pioneer — 56-mile rail trail through the forested hills of southwestern Washington — following the historic Northern Pacific Railway route
Willapa Hills State Park Trail is a 56-mile rail trail running from Chehalis to the Pacific coast — following the route of the historic Northern Pacific Railway through the forested hills of southwestern Washington. The trail passes through towering Douglas fir forests, across the Willapa Hills, and down to the coast near Willapa Bay. The Northern Pacific Railway was the first transcontinental railroad to reach the Pacific Northwest (1883) — connecting the Puget Sound to the eastern US and triggering a massive wave of settlement. The trail offers a gentle grade (never exceeding 3%) ideal for cycling and hiking.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | SW Washington (Chehalis to coast!) |
| Entry Fee | Discover Pass required |
| Length | 56 miles! |
| History | Northern Pacific 1883 — 1st PNW railroad! |
About Willapa Hills
Willapa Hills is a developing rail-trail following the route of the former Northern Pacific Railway through the lush, forested hills of southwestern Washington. The trail passes through some of the wettest and greenest forests in the state — the Willapa Hills receive over 100 inches of rain annually, creating a temperate rainforest landscape of towering Sitka spruce and western red cedar.
Things to Do
Hiking and mountain biking the rail-trail through rainforest, birdwatching, and exploring the small towns along the route. The trail connects to the broader Washington Trails network. The Willapa Hills are one of the least-visited regions in western Washington — offering genuine solitude.
Insider Tips
Rail-trail: Willapa Hills Trail follows a former railroad through the rural landscape of southwest Washington — forests, farms, and small towns. Pro tip: Willapa Bay (nearby) is one of the cleanest estuaries in the US — producing some of the finest oysters in the world. Timber country: Southwest Washington’s economy was built on timber — the Willapa Hills forests contain some of the most productive timber-growing land in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Cycling and hiking the trail. Fall: Forest foliage and oyster season. Spring: Green landscapes and wildflowers. Winter: Quiet, wet — typical Pacific NW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Willapa Bay oysters famous?
Willapa Bay produces 9% of America’s oysters — the bay’s clean, nutrient-rich water produces oysters with exceptional flavor. The Willapa watershed has minimal industrial development, keeping the water pristine. Pacific oysters grow in the shallow tidal flats — harvested by hand at low tide. Willapa oysters are prized by chefs nationwide for their clean, sweet flavor.
Wildlife & Nature
Willapa Hills — a trail and natural area in Pacific County — follows a former railroad grade through the Willapa Hills of southwest Washington. The surrounding forest of Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and Douglas fir supports Roosevelt elk, black bears, and black-tailed deer. Varied thrushes sing from the canopy. Bald eagles patrol the Willapa River. The area receives heavy rainfall — 80+ inches annually.
Nearby Attractions
Raymond — nearby — has metal sculptures throughout town. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge — 15 miles south — protects coastal habitat. Long Beach Peninsula — 20 miles south — has oceanfront parks. Centralia — 40 miles northeast — is along I-5.
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