I have enjoyed walking this trail in Gig Harbor . Got out of the habit of walking it during the peak of the pandemic. Have returned to the trail to get in shape for another long trek, Lisbon to Santiago and beyond. I am also rehabbing my most recent knee replacement. Today I was able to make a 3+ mile round trip walk from the Burnham Drive parking, near home depot. The lot is tight for my big vehicle and there is evidence of a broken window glass in the lot so, caution. Most dogs are on leash but their owners leave their dropping behind in poop bags. This year I noted markers for rescue vehicle to be able to more clearly identify where you are should the need arris.

Nice trail with tons of shade. I only saw 4 people on the trail the day I walked it.

There are two active groups working hard on the completion of the Willapa Hills Trail led by the Lewis County Community Trails on the east end and the Pacific County Community Trails on the west. A pedestrian over pass is currently in construction on the Lewis County or east side. On west end, a portion of paved trail was repaired and repaved in the summer of 2021. We also conducted a legislative tour securing the funds to complete the resurfacing and all of the remaining trestles on the WH Trail. Resurfacing from Raymond to Menlo is currently being done. WA State Parks and especially Michael Hankinson, have gone above and beyond to see that this trail will be completed . Shane Chair PCCT

We rode our bikes the entire 21 miles from Olympia to the end of the trail where it intersects another trail that takes you to the town of Rainier (2miles further). Round trip was around 42 miles. Very scenic with multiple lakes along the way. We stopped for coffee at the 5 mile mark near Kohl’s / Target. This is your last chance for some food or drink until you get to Rainier. Definitely recommend!

Nice trail. Espresso stand with chairs and cover part Orting. Some oddities - parking in Puyallup says "2 hours limit". There is no way average person would be able to ride the entire thing in 2 hours, considering stops and maybe even lunch. Took me 3 hours Puyallup - Buckley and back with coffee break. There are parking lots in Orting without the sign. Best part is from Orting to Buckley, away from the road, wonderful fall colors, bridges, etc. Puyallup - Orting is flat, but goes along 162 in farming-light industrial zone, so expect some diesel fumes from trucks. From Orting trail climbs at 1% grade, sometimes 2% so you may have to drop 2-3 gears. Back ride is mostly downhill with little effort. Good options for lunch, coffee or even dinner in Puyallup and Orting. Not busy, but it was weekday.

We hiked the trail last weekend going east from Pe Ell to Frances. This is really a beautiful portion of the Willapa Hills Trail. However, there are two dangerous trestles between the towns of Pluvious and Frances that should be avoided. They are 2.3 and 2.6 miles east of Frances. Be aware that the trestle at the west end is marked as closed but there are no closed signs when you approach the trestles from the east. With a 50' drop, one of the trestles has very narrow ties with a wide gap between them. Two of the ties are loose with one of them about to give way. Be careful. We will continue our hike from Frances with a stop in Menlo next. Even with some hazards, the Willapa Hills Trail is a remarkable trail.

I use this trail to workout a lot

Challenging as a first-time user. We found this trail a bit difficult to follow when riding from the north end by Home Depot as there were sections where we were off the trail on city streets and were unfamiliar with the area. We enjoyed the big hills up and the long rides down. However, on the return the trail was much easier to follow. We suggest previewing the map closely before starting. Smooth surface which was great and well maintained!

There are several very hazardous places on this trail and several places you can't hike because of 'greenery' blocking the trail. Near the Gun Clubb Rd ( that's how it's spelled) you are blocked from the trail and have to go down the bank to the road. Logging trucks are whizzing by as you share the road with them. Shoulder is about 1 foot wide and at one point you cross a short bridge where you could reach out and touch the constant traffic. Definitely very dangerous. A short time later you go back up the bank to access the trail. There are 2 trestles on the trail and one has rotten boards that move when you step on them. No hand rail to help you. Near Robertson road, the trail is totally blocked off with what appears to be trees and bushes grown over the trail. You leave the trail, walk Robertson road for a short bit and then back to the trail. It seems to me that, with the exception of the trestles, the trail could be cleared to avoid road hazards. It could use some mowing of high grass but that is not a hazard but a matter of convenience.