South Lewis County is a beautiful place to explore, and much of it can be experienced on a scenic 2–4-hour road trip from Centralia or Chehalis.
Begin by taking Interstate 5 to Exit 63, then follow State Route 505 toward Winlock. Once you arrive in town, turn right onto First Street and park near the Winlock Historical Museum.
The museum offers a fascinating look at Winlock's past as a railroad and logging community. Exhibits include historic photographs, logging tools, and artifacts that tell the story of the town's early years. A recently restored interior makes it well worth a visit. Check the museum's Facebook page for current hours and contact information.
Before leaving Winlock, see how many of the town's famous chicken sculptures you can find as you drive around the downtown area.
Continue toward Toledo on State Route 505, enjoying views of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens on clear days. As the road curves south, you'll find even more unobstructed mountain vistas.
In downtown Toledo, stop by the Toledo Community Library, a unique volunteer-run library supported entirely by community donations. The library includes a developing history room that offers a glimpse into Toledo's past, when a ferry once carried travelers across the Cowlitz River. Nearby, Art Gallery 505 features works by local artists and members of the Cowlitz Tribe when open.
Return to State Route 505 and continue past Toledo before heading north on Jackson Highway and east on Spencer Road. Along the way, visit St. Francis Xavier Mission, where some of Lewis County's earliest settlers established their community. The historic church remains active today, and its cemetery honors many of the pioneers who helped shape the region.
Continue along Spencer Road for more spectacular mountain views. Pull into one of the turnouts for photos before reaching the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery. About four miles farther, you'll arrive at Tacoma Power's Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery.
Rebuilt in 2010, the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery features a visitor center with interactive exhibits and activities that teach visitors about the salmon life cycle. Nearby Barrier Dam is a popular viewpoint and a favorite destination for anglers during fishing season. Together, they highlight the importance of the Cowlitz watershed to salmon habitat and the region's ecosystem.
From the hatchery, continue up Fuller Road to U.S. Highway 12 at Salkum. Head east, then turn left onto State Route 122 to Ike Kinswa State Park. Relax in the day-use area, enjoy a picnic, or take a walk along the shores of Lake Mayfield and the Tilton River, both part of the Cowlitz watershed.
When you're ready to head home, return west on U.S. Highway 12 and then north on Interstate 5 back to Centralia or Chehalis.
