The Chehalis Western Trail is a wonderful paved trail running north and south through the heart of Thurston County totaling about 22 miles of level paved trails for a vast array of outdoor activities. On any day you will see users: biking, walking, skateboarding, running and enjoying the trail system. The trail system is very family friendly.
Prior to becoming a community attraction the trail was a railroad from 1926 – mid 1980’s. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems and environments in both the urban and rural areas of the County. It provides access to over 170-acres of park land including nearly two (2) miles of frontage along the Deschutes River, and features access to the Puget Sound, Chambers Lake, wetlands, forests, farmland, creeks, prairies, and other habitats.
Thurston County-owns and operates 22 miles of Chehalis Western Trail in public ownership. The trail is an integral and significant linkage in the planned 48-mile county-managed trail system. It features four trailhead facilities with parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities at the Chambers Lake Boat Launch, Scenic Overlook at Chambers Lake, the Yelm Highway Pedestrian Overpass, a trailhead at 67th Avenue with parking and trail information, and a parking area at Fir Tree Road. The northern section has a trailhead at Woodard Bay with parking and restrooms. With spectacular views the trail system provides excellent opportunities for users to enjoy a tranquil and refreshing outdoor recreation experience any time of the year. ( Quote from Thurston County Website)
The Chehalis Western trail also links up with the County-owned 14.5-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail.
Chehalis Western Trail (Detailed Map)
Click to access chehalis-western-trail.pdf
Directions to Trailheads for access to Chehalis Western Trail from the Thurston County Website.
Directions to Chambers Lake Trailhead:
From I-5 northbound: Take Exit #108 to Sleater- Kinney Road. Head south, cross Pacific Avenue, at the 4-way stop sign, turn right onto 14th Avenue. Follow approximately 1/2 mile. The entrance is after the trestle on the left.
From I-5 southbound: Take Exit #109 to College Street, head south, cross Pacific Avenue, cross Lacey Boulevard, turn right onto 14th Avenue. Follow approximately 1 mile. The entrance is after the trestle on the left.
Restroom, parking, and picnic areas are available.
Directions to the 67th Avenue Trailhead:
From I-5 south : Exit #109 College Street or from I-5 North: Exit #108 northbound (College Street) and travel south. Cross Pacific Avenue and Yelm Highway. College Street becomes Rainier Road. Follow approximately one (1) mile. Turn right onto 67th Avenue and follow to the end. No restroom facility.
Directions to Woodard Bay Trailhead:
From I-5 North: Take Exit #108 turning north on to Sleater- Kinney Road and drive approximately 5 miles. The road takes a sharp turn to the left and becomes 56th Ave NE. Continue until you come to Schinke Road which bears left onto Woodard Bay Road. After crossing over a small bay, turn right into the parking lot. Pit toilets are available.
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks/Trails/cw-trail.htm
