Long-distance trails are important contributors to vibrant tourism, economic vitality, healthy outdoor recreation, and educational opportunities in Washington. Both Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF) embrace long-distance trails as an important aspect of their mission and work. Join WSPF, State Parks, Lewis County Trails, and Boeing Company to celebrate the completion of several bridges on the Willapa Hills State Park Trail at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 18 at Adna Trailhead.
This historic 56-mile recreation trail connects Chehalis with South Bend and is a key component of a State Parks cross-state trail network from the Idaho Border to Willapa Bay. The event will include speakers from project partners, project displays and information, self-guided hikes, and bicycle tours.
Recently completed bridge projects include:
- Bridge 5, five miles west of Chehalis: The project replaced decking and rails on combination steel and wood bridge with trestles. Project cost was $550,000, with grant funding provided by the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. Design by State Parks and MC Squared of Olympia, and construction by Tapani, Inc., Battle Ground.
- Spooner Bridge, 6 miles west of Chehalis: Replacement of railroad trestles destroyed in 2007 flood, with 300-foot, single-span post-tensioned steel truss and concrete bridge. Project cost was $2.3 million, with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds. Design by OTAK, Inc., of Vancouver and Portland, OR and construction by Quigg Brothers, Inc., Aberdeen.
- Dryad Bridge, 16 miles west of Chehalis: Replacement of bridge destroyed in 2007 flood, with a post-tensioned steel-truss and concrete deck structure. Project design by OTAK, Inc., of Vancouver and Portland, OR and construction by Quigg Brothers, Inc., Aberdeen.
- Bridge 27, funded with a mix of support that includes $62,000 in capital dollars, $100,000 from Washington State Parks Foundation through a donation from the Boeing Company and a $40,000 donation by Lewis County Community Trails. Design and construction was completed by State Parks staff.
Visit our Willapa Hills Trail project page to see before, during and after photos, and the Willapa Hills State Park Trail webpage to learn more about this trail and view a map.
