Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Washington, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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
Rode north to south, returned via Interurban trail. Fair amount of construction (trail and riverbank) with number of detours. Trail goes via light industrial and commercial zones first, farther south it is nicer, away from major roads, goes by residential zones. Good trail, but somewhat boring so there are better choices if you are after views and nature.
The other reviews of this hike are many years old, so I thought an update was in order. We hike this trail at least once a month year round. The trail is 5.2 miles total out and back. It is a gravel/dirt surface and fairly flat. The trail goes through the Palouse River canyon with steep basalt walls. It is a dramatic change from surrounding hills. It is unusual not to see wildlife. We have seen deer, coyotes, eagles, hawks, ducks, geese, vultures and numerous small birds. Like many converted rail routes we have hiked there are several apple and plum trees. The trail ends where the railroad crossed the Palouse River. A tunnel is visible across the river, but is collapsed inside. The covered bridge that was further on burned a few years ago. There are several gates on trail to contain cattle which are rarely present. There is a nice parking area at the trailhead at the end of a dirt road. The signage could be better; use your GPS or just follow the road north past the scrapyard and gravel piles.
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.
I ride this trail daily on my bike from Redmond to Bothell and enjoy the scenery no matter rain or shine. People along the trail are very considerate and friendly giving way and providing help when needed. The maintenance teams blow the leaves off the trail early in the morning and keep the bathrooms clean. This is a great trail to enjoy miles of pavement without any cars.
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.
This is a great trail; however, contrary to how it is currently drawn on this site, it does not include 133rd St. (which connects to W. Snoqualmie Valley Road). 133rd is a private residential road. Everyone using the trail - bikers, pedestrians, etc. need to respect the signs that clearly indicate the end of the trail at the beginning of 133rd. Otherwise, you are trespassing on a private road and are subjecting yourself to possible prosecution. To get to W. Snoqualmie Valley Road from the trail, you must exit the trail farther west at 232nd and make your way south to Novelty. Turn left (east) on Novelty. This will take you down the hill to W. Snoqualmie Valley Road.
This is a well surfaced path sometimes a bit confusing as to where to go to continue but google maps and or TrailLink really help. There is a bit of homelessness under the overpasses but well off the trail. Park worker’s were abundant and really trying to keep things picked up. All in all a very pleasant 1.5 hour ride round trip
I use this trail to workout a lot
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