West Lewis County is the agricultural heart of the region, with fertile valleys nourished by the Chehalis River and the South Fork Chehalis River. In the spring, the countryside is a vibrant green, while autumn transforms the landscape with brilliant seasonal color.
Begin your journey from Chehalis by heading west on State Route 6 toward Adna. Turn onto Bunker Creek Road, then Dieckman Road, and stop at Back Memorial County Park. On clear days, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rainier, making it a perfect place for photos.
Return to Highway 6 and continue west before turning left onto Boistfort Road. This scenic drive winds through some of Lewis County's richest farmland, where you'll often see farmers tending their fields. Be sure to stop at the historical marker next to Boistfort School to learn about the area's past as a major hops-producing region during the early 1900s.
About a mile beyond the school, turn right onto Pe Ell–McDonald Road and enjoy a peaceful 9-mile drive through forests and rolling hills on your way to Pe Ell. The route is especially beautiful during the fall.
Once in Pe Ell, take a break at the town's war memorial and gazebo, or grab a meal at Evey's Cafe, a longtime local favorite.
Continue east on Highway 6 toward Chehalis, watching for signs to Willapa Hills Cheese. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the creamery offers a variety of artisan cheeses made on-site and is a must-stop for cheese lovers.
Back on Highway 6, turn left onto Stevens Road to visit the historic Doty General Store. One of the few remaining reminders of Doty's railroad-era past, the store sits near the former Northern Pacific Railroad route, now part of the Willapa Hills Trail.
Return to Highway 6 and turn left onto Chandler Road. Cross the bridge, then turn right onto Leudinghaus Road and continue to Rainbow Falls State Park. The park is named for the colorful rainbow effect created when sunlight strikes the falls at the right angle. Several viewpoints throughout the park—and even from Highway 6—offer excellent views of the falls.
This scenic drive is a wonderful way to experience West Lewis County's agricultural heritage, local history, and changing seasonal landscapes.
Plan for at least two hours to complete the drive, or allow three to four hours if you'd like time to stop and explore along the way.
