Attractions, Parks, and Getting Around

Lewis County Has Lots to Offer

Ride on a steam train. Hike the Goat’s Rock Wilderness. Fly fish on the Cowlitz. Antique shop. Celebrate a festival. Explore the White Pass Scenic Byway. Lewis County boasts the best that the rural and wild Northwest has to offer.

Things to Do and More

Looking for an activity? There’s something for everyone! Find the perfect activity for whatever – weekend getaway, family vacation, or just personal excursion. You’ll find it here!

Appease car weary children and play in our city parks. The skate park in Centralia is the largest free skate park in the Northwest. Chehalis & Penny Playground inspires the imagination of children and adults. Borst Park features a public swimming pool, picnic facilities, historic attractions and more.

Finding Nature in Lewis County is – well, a breeze! From our national forests, breathtaking mountains, and wilderness areas to our local playgrounds and parks, recreation and fun abound in our area.

About Recreation in Lewis County

Approximately one-third of Lewis County is national forest. The county includes portions of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Gifford Pinchot national forests and the Mt. Rainier National Park as well as the William Douglas, Tatoosh and Goat Rocks wilderness areas.

The Mount Rainier summit, at 14,410 feet, is just 10 miles from the county’s northeastern boundary. Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams are easily accessible. Adventure seekers will find excellent hiking, cycling, canoeing, white water rafting, hang gliding, and rock climbing opportunities. White Pass Ski Area provides the driest powder in Washington and 1,500-feet of vertical drop.

The Seminary Hill Natural Area in Centralia is a quiet place to walk, run or study nature. Established in 1981 by the Friends of Seminary Hill, this area adjacent to the Historic Downtown Centralia, covers 60 acres of natural forestland and offers a quick escape on trails for an afternoon stroll or brisk walk.

Fort Borst Park is a perfect meeting place for children and adults. Playgrounds, meeting facilities, and an indoor pool all are available in this historic park.  A small fishing pond provides a great place for feeding the ducks and enjoying a quick break. Take Exit 82 off I-5, west on Harrison, go left on Johnson Road past the middle school and ball fields. Follow signs.

Chehalis Recreation Park Penny Playground offers outdoor swimming pools, softball fields and a huge playground that was erected by community volunteers. A short distance east of Interstate 5 at Exit 76, this family park is ideal for picnicking, playing and relaxing.

Parks
  • Robert Lintoh Alexander Park – river access, playground, kitchen, trails, groups
  • Back County Park – track, ball fields, playground, and picnic area
  • Schaeffer County Park – swim, fish, group use, playground, picnic area
  • South County Park – camping, swim, fish, boat, playground and picnic area
  • Mayfield Lake Park – camping, swim,fish, boat, playground and picnic area
  • Glenoma County Park – fishing, group use, playground and picnic area
Transportation

Whether you’re looking for everyday transportation, or something a bit more out of the ordinary, there are lots of types to choose from. Modern or Nostalgic? You decide!

Lewis County offers several modes of transportation within the county and also serves as an access point to more distant, regional attractions in nearby states. Residents and visitors can conveniently move about the county using several highways, bus, rail and air transportation.

Car

Centralia and Chehalis are both accessible using two different major thoroughfares. Interstate 5 is the major north-south freeway, extending from the Canadian border through southern California. Highway 12, a primary east-west corridor across the Cascade Mountains, connects to I-5 near Chehalis and then again at Grand Mound. The cities are halfway between two large metropolitan areas, Portland and Seattle, and an hour’s drive from mountains and beaches.

Air
Chehalis-Centralia Airport is a local commuter airport in Chehalis that serves Lewis County by accommodating small jets, private planes and helicopters. International airports are close by in Seattle and Portland.
Bus

Twin Transit serves Lewis County with scheduled bus service running every half-hour on inter-city routes during the week and hourly on all routes during weekends.

Train
Centralia Amtrak Rail Station, built in 1910, is a symbol of Centralia’s economic foundation: rail transportation. The depot was recently restored by the City of Centralia in a $4.4 million project recognized as “Outstanding Design Project” in 2003 by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

Enjoy our Local Farmers Markets

Centralia Farmer's Market

The Centralia Market runs Fridays from May 6 thru September 30, 2022. Hours are 11 am to 4 pm. We have moved back to downtown Centralia at Pine Street Plaza, next to the train depot. 100 E Pine Street. Hope to see you there!

Chehalis Farmer's Market

The Chehalis Market runs Tuesdays from June through October. Hours are 11am until 4pm. We are located at NE Boistfort St.in downtown Chehalis! See you there!