Chehalis Travel Guide
Discover the rich history, natural beauty, and local culture of Chehalis, Washington with this comprehensive travel guide featuring a week-long itinerary and tips for transportation and accommodations.
- Introduction to Chehalis
- List of Places to Visit in Chehalis
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Chehalis
- Best Things to Do in Chehalis: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Chehalis
- Food and Drink Scene of Chehalis
- Where to Stay in Chehalis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Chehalis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Chehalis
- Best Time to Visit Chehalis
- Do’s and Don’ts of Chehalis
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Chehalis: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Chehalis
- Where to Go Next from Chehalis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Nestled in the heart of Southwest Washington, Chehalis is a charming city with rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. If you’re planning to visit this scenic town, get ready to explore a plethora of museums, historical sites, and natural attractions. This comprehensive travel guide provides a detailed overview of the best places to visit, things to do, local food and drink, accommodation options, and nearby excursions.
Introduction to Chehalis
Chehalis is a small town with a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. It was once a bustling center for lumber and agriculture, and today, it’s a vibrant community with a strong sense of local culture. Some of the notable landmarks in Chehalis include the Lewis County Historical Museum, Veterans Memorial Museum, and the beautiful Mount St. Helens.
List of Places to Visit in Chehalis
Here’s a list of some of the top attractions in Chehalis:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Lewis County Historical Museum
- Veterans Memorial Museum
- The Railroad Museum
- St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Natural Attractions of Chehalis: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Mount St. Helens
- Rainbow Falls State Park
- The Chehalis Western Trail
- Mayfield Lake
Hiking/Biking Routes of Chehalis
Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in Chehalis:
- Willapa Hills Trail
- Iron Horse State Park
- Chehalis Western Trail
Best Things to Do in Chehalis: Activities and Tours
If you’re seeking adventure or just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, here are some must-visit attractions in Chehalis:
- Go fishing in the Chehalis River
- Explore the old-growth forest at the Willapa Hills Trail
- Attend the annual Garlic Fest
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the Chehalis Valley
Week-Long Itinerary for Chehalis
If you’re planning to stay in Chehalis for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary that covers the best attractions and events in the city:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Lewis County Historical Museum |
| 2 | Hike the Willapa Hills Trail |
| 3 | Tour the Veterans Memorial Museum |
| 4 | Explore Rainbow Falls State Park |
| 5 | Attend the Garlic Fest in downtown Chehalis |
| 6 | Go fishing in the Chehalis River |
| 7 | Take a hot air balloon ride over the valley |
Food and Drink Scene of Chehalis
One of the highlights of visiting Chehalis is sampling the local cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pacific Oysters
- Dungeness Crab and Seafood Chowder
- Fresh Salmon
- Wild Huckleberry Jam
Local Beverages
- Chehalis Valley Wine
- Chehalis Hard Cider
- Olympia Beer
Where to Stay in Chehalis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
If you’re looking for accommodation options in Chehalis, here are some of the best places to stay:
- The Chehalis Inn & Suites
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chehalis - Centralia
- Econo Lodge Chehalis - Centralia
What to Buy in Chehalis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring back home, here are some of the best places to shop in Chehalis:
- Chehalis Centralia Railroad and Museum Gift Shop
- The Shady Lady
- The Chehalis Farmers Market
Local Culture and Customs of Chehalis
The people of Chehalis are proud of their heritage, and visitors should be respectful of their local culture and customs. Some of the unique cultural practices in Chehalis include:
- Holding an annual Garlic Fest
- Celebrating the annual egg and spoon race
- Honoring veterans with a Memorial Day parade
Best Time to Visit Chehalis
The best time to visit Chehalis is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the peak season, and prices for accommodation and activities may be higher.
Do’s and Don’ts of Chehalis
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and beverages.
- Explore the natural attractions of the region, such as Mount St. Helens.
- Respect the local culture and customs.
Don’t:
- Leave trash or litter in public areas.
- Be disrespectful to locals or other visitors.
- Ignore safety rules when exploring the natural attractions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Chehalis
Chehalis is generally a safe place for visitors, and there are few incidents of crime. However, visitors should take standard safety precautions such as keeping valuables secure and locking their doors.
Health in Chehalis
Chehalis has a good healthcare system, and visitors can access medical care if needed. It’s also recommended to bring any necessary prescription medication with you.
Getting to Chehalis: Transportation Options and Logistics
If you’re visiting Chehalis, here are some transportation options and logistics to consider:
Airports Near Chehalis
The nearest airport to Chehalis is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is approximately 70 miles away.
Bus Stations Near Chehalis
Greyhound operates a bus station in nearby Centralia, which is approximately 5 miles from Chehalis.
Other Options
Visitors can also access Chehalis by car, train, or private charter plane.
How to Get Around in Chehalis
To get around Chehalis, visitors can rent a car or use the public transportation system, such as the Twin Transit Bus Service.
Where to Go Next from Chehalis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Olympia, the capital of Washington State
- Mount Rainier National Park
- The Pacific Ocean and coastal towns like Ocean Shores and Long Beach
Conclusion
Chehalis is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of the region. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll have all the information you need to plan your next trip to Chehalis and make the most of your stay.
