Things To Do on an eBike in Lewis County, WA
Lewis County's main eBike ride is the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a flat rail-trail that starts in Chehalis and runs west through Adna and Rainbow Falls to Pe Ell. Washington State Parks allows Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist eBikes on this long-distance trail.
This guide covers only routes in Lewis County. The Chehalis Western Trail, Coweeman River Trail and Olympic Discovery Trail listed on older versions of this page are in Thurston, Cowlitz and Clallam counties, so they are not included here.
Where to ride in Lewis County
Most riders start at the Chehalis trailhead and ride west. The grade is railroad-flat, and the first stretch is paved.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Willapa Hills State Park Trail (Chehalis to Pe Ell)
Route: Washington State Parks manages the Willapa Hills State Park Trail for about 56 miles between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County. The Lewis County stretch from Chehalis to Pe Ell is roughly 22 miles, according to Live Lewis County. Trailheads in Lewis County include Chehalis, Adna, Rainbow Falls State Park and Pe Ell.
Surface: From Chehalis through Adna the trail is asphalt for about the first five miles. Past Adna it becomes compacted gravel through Pe Ell.
Access: The Chehalis trailhead is off SW Sylvenus Street near SW Hillburger Road on the west side of town, with parking and trailhead facilities. Hours are 8 a.m. to dusk year-round.
eBike access: The State Parks e-bike information sheet allows Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist eBikes on long-distance rail-trails, including Willapa Hills. Class 2 throttle eBikes are not on that list. Ride The Willapa event Q&A matches that rule: Class 1 and Class 3 only, pedal-assist mode.
Washington eBike rules
- Under RCW 46.61.710, Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes may use shared-use paths, but local jurisdictions and state agencies may restrict them.
- Class 3 eBikes may not use a shared-use path unless the local jurisdiction allows them.
- On Willapa Hills, follow the State Parks Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist rule, not the broader Class 2 path default.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Start at the Chehalis trailhead, ride the paved section through Adna and back, about 10 miles round trip on flat asphalt.
Full day: Ride from Chehalis toward Pe Ell on compacted gravel as far as Rainbow Falls or Pe Ell, then reverse. Bring lights and water; services thin out west of Adna.
What not to ride
A Class 2 throttle eBike on Willapa Hills. State Parks lists Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist only on this long-distance trail.
Hiking-only trails. eBikes are not allowed on trails that do not permit bikes.
When to ride Lewis County
The Chehalis end sits near 186 feet elevation, so the Willapa Hills corridor usually stays rideable year-round when Cascade trails are snowed in. Trail hours are 8 a.m. to dusk.
eBike shops and service
Hub City Bike Shop at 539 N Pearl St in Centralia is listed as a bicycle repair shop. Call (360) 523-3992 to ask about eBike service before you bring a bike in. The directory also lists A1 RV Recycling in Centralia; that is a recycling center, not a bike shop.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Willapa Hills Trail in Lewis County?
About 22 miles from Chehalis to Pe Ell. The full State Parks trail runs about 56 miles to South Bend in Pacific County.
Are eBikes allowed on the Willapa Hills Trail?
Yes. Washington State Parks allows Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist eBikes on this long-distance trail. Class 2 is not on that list.
Where do I park for the Willapa Hills Trail in Chehalis?
At the Chehalis trailhead off SW Sylvenus Street near SW Hillburger Road, with parking and trailhead facilities.
Is the Willapa Hills Trail paved?
The first roughly five miles from Chehalis through Adna are asphalt. West of Adna the surface is compacted gravel through Pe Ell.
What are the trail hours?
8 a.m. to dusk year-round, per Washington State Parks.
Who services eBikes in Lewis County?
Hub City Bike Shop in Centralia is listed as a bicycle repair shop. Call ahead to confirm eBike service for your model.
All eBike shops in Lewis County
See the Lewis County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Washington eBike laws guide for state rules.