Adventures in Washington: Chehalis Western Trail

Years ago, 14 to be exact, we lived in Lacey, Washington.  We had a one bedroom apartment near the local hospital that was also five minutes away from a portion of the Chehalis Western Trail.  As a married couple we lived in Washington state for three years.  And for the entirety of that three years, this paved biking/walking path was literally at our feet.  And for the entirety of those same three years, we did not utilize the trail.  That's correct.  We did not hike a trail that was literally in our backyard. Terrible!  I'm making up for my lack of hiking in my twenties with an overzealous overabundance of hiking here on O'ahu in my forties.

On our Christmas Vacation in Washington, of course I remembered that the Chehalis Western Trail was around, so I made it a point while on our recent visit to hit the trail with the family.  We put on our gloves, hats, jackets, and boots and started on our way at the Fir Tree Road entrance (one of several with parking lots adjacent) to the Chehalis Western Trail.

The weather cooperated with us along our journey.  It was clear, crisp, and no rain or snow in sight.  The trail is paved.  It is perfect for families with strollers, pulling a wagon, riding a bike, roller blading (do people still do that?), or just walking (or sometimes skipping and jumping) along with your significant other (with or without your kiddos).  The portion of the trail we explored led us to a stream, lots of trees, and the backside of some private residences with horses.  The trail was easy, with no technical portions like rock climbing, scaling high cliffs, or slopping through mud (all things I hike through on the regular here on O'ahu).  It was a refreshing stroll through nature that once again allowed us to stretch those legs after riding in the car and get the blood flowing to keep us warm in the chilly air.

I could easily have walked this trail forever.  Or 22 miles of it...that's how many miles run through Thurston County.  The Chehalis Western Trail, much like the Tumwater Falls Trail we did, is historic.  It is an old railroad that is now a paved pathway running north to south.  The trail leads to a 14.5 mile trail known as the Yelm-Tenino Trail also.  The trail is unique in that it does pass through rural areas in the county as well as urban settings also.  Along the trail there are farms, the Deschutes River, access ways to the Puget Sound, lakes, forests, creeks, and wildlife. A novice trail that lets you experience a little of everything.

Although we didn't complete the entire trail (goals for a later date), we did enjoy the portion of the trail that we did.  We even saw an abandoned lemonade stand (must have been a relic from summer days)...if they sold coffee during the winter, I think they'd be billionaires.

Bare trees, green trees, fallen leaves, rushing water, birds flying, and the smells of someone smoking meat wafting through the air...all in all a great break in the day from over-eating, holiday shopping at the mall, and hotel travel life.

For more information on the Chehalis Western Trail:

www.co.thurston.wa.us