Washington State Parks has invited the public to an open house to learn more about plans for the Willapa Hills Trail at Menlo and to offer input on the proposed trailhead and parking lot.
The open house will be held at Willapa Valley High School from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 13.
The 56-mile Willapa Hills Trail has been developed to a point about 27 miles west of Chehalis in Pacific County and from South Bend 5 miles east to Raymond, also in Pacific County.
The trail passes Rainbow Falls State Park 16 miles west of Chehalis, where trail users can camp.
The proposed Menlo trailhead would be located within the boundaries of the Willapa Hills Trail right-of-way on the north side of state Route 6, next to the Menlo Store, about 7 miles east of the paved trail terminus at Raymond and 22.5 miles west of the nearest trail access at Pe Ell, according to a news release from State Parks.
Planners will also discuss access, landscaping and design.
A former railroad line, development of the Willapa Hills Trail is part of a long-term commitment by Washington State Parks to develop a contiguous trail for recreational use, according to a news release.
The trail is aligned east/west between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County.
Approximately 27 miles of the trail are open for non-motorized recreational use. Typical trail activities include hiking, biking and equestrian use, which provide countless opportunities for wildlife viewing, sightseeing and fitness, according to a news release.
For more information, visit http://parks.state.wa.us/1023/Willapa-Hills-Trail or contact parks planner Michael Hankinson at michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.
