Explore the best rated trails in Kelso, WA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Frenchman's Bar Trail and I-205 Multi-Use Path . With more than 38 trails covering 287 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
It's paved, it's short but sweet, keep in mind that the railroad IS active (not super active, I didn't see any trains on my particular trip), so use caution at crossings. It's within Battle Ground State Park. I went on a fall day and was tickled (and slightly saddened) to see a bunch of uneaten apples that had fallen off the trees in the area; hopefully some of the local wildlife got some tasty snacks out of them.
Aug. & Oct. 2023 I biked entire 56 mile trail both directions. TrailLink write-up is generally correct, with pavement at both ends and then a variety of gravel (packed, loose, and rough) through 90% of the ride. All bridges were completed many years ago, and perfectly in tact. (So, don't pay attention to the many pictures and posts here from 2011; those 2011 pics do not show nor tell of the trail as it exists today.) I used a mid-width tire (1.95"), which handled the gravel nicely. One should NOT bike the loose and rough gravel on thin street tires. I am a fair-weather-only biker: I took one bottle of water (refilled along the way), a jacket, sunscreen, but no backpack. The trail was wonderful for me in the warm, dry weather. I stopped in Pe Ell and got food at the mini-mart, and stopped in LeBam and got a late lunch. I was never in a hurry, using mid-gears over the rough, just soaking in all the beauty of the countryside, hills, forrest. Depending on your energy, you could do the whole length in one day in the dry Summer if you start at 8:30am, or do it in two days, starting around noon. The Raymond side could be a little confusing as it brushes over 101 and the city for a half-mile; map helped there. But, 99% of the trail is woods, farm fields, forrest, and beautiful countryside. I put up about 20 pictures of the journey along the way.
My husband and I just got here bikes and use this trail for our second expedition on them. It was such a beautiful ride. The trail was rather busy, but not a problem. There were picnic tables where we enjoyed a packed lunch at the park. Would do this again.
It has been 6 years since I last ride the Banks to Stub Stewart State Park section. As before the transitions on and off bridges are abysmal. The bridges are 4 to 6 inches higher than the trail surface. Strongly advise riders slow way down when approaching bridges. Riding surface continues to deteriorate with longitudinal cracks wide enough to catch a 19 mm tire if not paying attention. Pavement is breaking up in places. That’s the bad. Maintenance appears to be painting white paint to highlight the more dangerous roots The good is the scenery once into the frosted parts is truly beautiful. And the sour face
Wonderful wildflowers, yummy blackberries to snack on, beautiful views and lots of smiling others (dog walkers, individuals riding their bicycles, joggers and morning leisure walker!). It's been extended from 8 miles to 11 at this point in time
Paved, gravel, rock, grass, rock & grass, blackberry vines.Rode about 10 miles out of South Bend, stopped, got on the paved Hwy and headed back.Had to focus to much on the trail, and couldn't enjoy the scenery.
We only road for about 10 miles on the far west end. Trial was paved but turned to gravel. Needed to bring my pruners for parts due to overgrown bushes. Otherwise good rude
The first part - Vancouver Avenue to Interstate Avenue was fine, new macadam. The part from Interstate Avenue to Portland Road was needs repaving, with gravel between patches of macadam in bad shape. Given that your on top of a narrow lever, it was bit dicey.
Nice easy walk, and interesting placards to read. It is also an awesome place to walk your dog.
We rode the trail for 9 miles out. It began paved and remained that way for about 5.5 miles or so. During that time, there were several areas of concern. The large divider stake (most were yellow) at the center of the trail by the ends where the road intersects…one was completely missing which is very dangerous as the bottom components were still intact. Also the bridges had very large lips on them, so we got off our bikes at almost all of the bridges. When it turns to gravel it is pretty nice for about 3 miles or so. We turned around at that point as the gravel became thicker and more difficult to maneuver.
This is short and dangerous, especially for narrower tires. Gaps between pavement are very wide and can easily catch a tire. Planks across wood bridges are also dangerously wide in parts. Path shared with a “live” trolly. Markings are confusing as to where bikes and trolly are expected to be. Transitions from path to apparent trolly track so narrow it requires getting off the bike.
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