US 12
Lewis County, WA 98565
Learn about some of the very first pioneers who settled along the Cowlitz Prairie. Walk the same ground and see the same scenery that drew people to Washington Territory. Get a glimpse of what life was like during the early years of Lewis County on this Historic South Lewis County Road Trip.
This self-guided tour takes you off the interstate and through the rural communities that make up south Lewis County. Known for its peaceful countryside, this area has been home to generations of residents, with a history that stretches back long before the first settlers to the Cowlitz Tribe.
Begin your trip by taking Interstate 5 to Exit 68 and following U.S. Highway 12 east to the intersection with Jackson Highway. Turn left to begin the tour.
This quiet state park is often overshadowed by nearby Lewis and Clark State Park, but it offers a peaceful place to picnic or relax beneath towering trees. Picnic shelters and cookout sites make it a great stop for families.
The park is included on this historic tour because of the Oregon Trail marker at its entrance. Installed by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution in the 1910s, it marks the northern spur of the Oregon Trail that ended in Tumwater.
After your visit, continue south on Jackson Highway and cross Highway 12 at the traffic light.
One of Washington's oldest pioneer structures, the Jackson House served as Lewis County's first courthouse and post office. Home to John and Matilda Jackson, it was also an important gathering place for early pioneers and travelers.
Step inside to experience the simple but practical furnishings and see portraits of the Jackson family. Continue south on Jackson Highway past Lewis and Clark State Park toward Toledo. At the flashing yellow light, turn left, then left again to reach the next stop.
Although the current church dates to 1932, the mission itself was established in 1838. The first Catholic Mass on the Cowlitz Prairie was held at the home of pioneer Simon Plamondon, and a priest was assigned here in 1839.
Be sure to see the replica Catholic Ladder on the southeast side of the church and the adjacent cemetery, where many early pioneers are buried. Return to Jackson Highway and continue about three-quarters of a mile to the next stop.
Recognizable by the Oregon Trail mural facing Jackson Highway, this building once served as the Lower Cowlitz School before later becoming a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. Built in the 1890s, it educated children living on the prairie who could not attend the nearby Catholic school.
Continue into downtown Toledo before visiting the next stop along the Cowlitz River.
This memorial marks the location where settlers gathered in 1851 to petition Congress to create a new territory separate from Oregon. Two years later, Congress established Washington Territory.
Cross the Cowlitz River and continue south on Jackson Highway.
This historic barn still displays a restored advertisement for "Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription," one of many products promoted by Ray Vaughn Pierce during the early 20th century. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of these painted barn advertisements.
Continue to Vader via Jackson Highway or Interstate 5.
Built around 1900, this church features stained glass windows, a bell tower, and architecture representative of early Vader. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve the local United Methodist congregation.
Several homes in Vader display Queen Anne architecture dating back to the town's railroad boom. Continue through town onto Annonen Road toward McMurphy Park.
Originally giving the town of Vader its first name, this peaceful waterfall is easily reached from McMurphy Park and offers a relaxing place to stop before continuing north toward Winlock.
Discover exhibits highlighting Winlock's history as a major egg-producing community and its ties to the timber industry. Before leaving town, look for the many decorative chicken sculptures throughout Winlock.
This privately owned museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts celebrating Winlock's history, including vintage advertisements, Egg Days memorabilia, and a model railroad display.
Originally built in 1891 and recently restored, this small church closely resembles the original structure. It was one of three Catholic churches established by St. Francis Xavier Mission.
Established in 1883, Evaline School remains Lewis County's smallest school district. Often remembered as the "two-room schoolhouse," it continues to serve the community today. Please be mindful of children while visiting.
To complete the loop, follow Highway 603 to Avery Road and then follow the signs back to Interstate 5. Allow approximately 2–3 hours to complete this scenic and historic driving tour of South Lewis County.
US 12
Lewis County, WA 98565
