The Chehalis River Discovery Trail winds through quiet farmland and along the lush banks of the Chehalis River. Eagles soar overhead, fish leap for insects, and the air is loud with bird song. Ancient cottonwoods may still be found growing on the riverbank, and newly planted woodlands will one day also watch like lofty sentinels over the fields and forests of this bucolic paradise.
The trail begins at the waste treatment plant near Centralia, but don't let this fact put you off. Not only does it not smell and is relatively quiet, it is also brilliantly designed to imitate the look of nearby farms - big red "barns" and "silos" included! It blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape.Continuing on down a narrow country road turned trail, pass by real farms and picturesque working fields that utilize fertilizer from the waste treatment plant to grow healthy and productive crops.
This bucolic scene stays with you throughout your hike, as the cycle of growing and harvesting flows with the seasons the view on your way to the river will always be different every time you visit.
Flowers and lush foliage await in the vibrant riparian jungle along the rivers bank. Like the fields, this wild display of color also varies throughout the year - delicate spring blossoms, boisterous summer flowers, while in the fall visitors will be treated to a fine display of autumn colors.
The trail forks next to the river - one day perhaps it will extend miles more to Fort Borst park, but for now enjoy this duo of out-and-back adventures. Free guides are available to borrow which provide information on ecosystems, restoration efforts, geology and more with marked sites corresponding to guidebook pages. If following the guide book, your journey will first take you down the trail to the right.
Here you find sweeping views over the Chehalis River with its deep green pools with swirling rafts of foam broken by the laughter of tumbling rapids. Overhead giant old growth cottonwood trees tower above the meandering river.
Back down the other path, leave the wide open fields for the cool forest, and finally make your way to a wide beach where kingfishers laugh at visitors to their favorite fishing hole, and where bald eagles perch on overhanging branches.
