We’ve fielded a few questions about the course, what to bring, what type of bike to ride and more. This section is aimed at answering some of the most common questions that cyclists of all abilities have regarding Ride the Willapa.
What is the trail surface like?
The Willapa Hills Trail is paved for the first five miles between Chehalis and the Chehalis River Bridge just past Adna, then transitions to finely crushed gravel through to Rainbow Falls. Gravel gets a bit chunkier past Rainbow Falls, and there are more remote sections of the trail beyond Pe Ell that will require thicker tires.
What type of bike and what type of tires do I need?
Any bicycle with wider tires than a lightweight road bike will be suitable for this event. Tires suitable for travel on both gravel and pavement are recommended because most of the trail consists of finely crushed gravel. Generally the wider the tire, the better; you’ll sacrifice speed for comfort, but this isn’t a race after all!
Are E-bikes allowed?
Absolutely, in accordance with State Parks rules and regulations. Currently, only class 1 and class 3 E-bikes are allowed, and you must use e-assist mode while pedaling. No throttles are allowed.
Is there a specific number of miles I have to ride?
Nope! Ride as much or as little of the trail that is open as you wish. The total mileage is up to you. Some might go the whole roundtrip from Chehalis to Frances, others might opt to take several breaks and ride 10 to 20 miles, and still more folks might ride to Pe Ell and have family or friends pick them up! It’s really up to you to figure out how much you want to do, but we encourage exploring as much of the trail as you can!
Are the roads closed to vehicle traffic?
Most of this ride will be on a trail that is closed to motorized use. We cross several county roads, which all have light traffic. We ask that all riders use courtesy and pay close attention when it comes to interacting with drivers on roads.
Is there a capacity for the event?
Yes and no. Our camp locations have a limited number of tent setups available, but the number of people who can ride the trail is virtually unlimited. It’s best to get your campout tickets as early as possible to secure your spot.
Can a minor ride unaccompanied?
Lewis County Community Trails and the event partners for this ride do not recommend that minors ride unaccompanied during the event, except for the Fun Ride. A parent or supervising adult must ride the course, and minors must have all consent forms turned in and signed. For the Fun Ride, unaccompanied kids are allowed as we will have volunteers riding with the group to keep them safe. Please note that LCCT bears no responsibility for unaccompanied minors.
Is there a special rate for families?
For a limited time, a family of four (two adults and two youths living in the same household) can register for $140 and receive four tickets to ride, four campout tickets and four meal tickets.
What is the registration fee for tandem riders?
Each rider must complete a registration form and pay the entry fee regardless of what type of bicycle used.
Can I get a refund after I register for the event?
You may receive a full refund up to a month before the event start date. After that date we cannot provide refunds or transfer tickets for any reason.
What should I pack if I’m doing the campout?
Pack light for one night! You’ll want a tent, sleeping bag, toiletries, towel, ground pad or air mattress, flip-flops or tennis shoes, and a change of clothes. Bring cash for shower tokens at the campground too.
May I ride with earbuds or headphones?
We do not allow earbuds or headphones on the trail as a courtesy to riders around you, and also for safety reasons. All riders need to be able to hear cyclists around them in the event some may be passing or calling out a possible hazard on the trail.
What about cell phones?
Cell phone use while riding is discouraged. Please pull off to the side of the trail safely before using a cell phone.
How do I get my bags to my campout location?
Volunteers will transport your luggage to Rainbow Falls. Please pack lightly as you are allowed to bring one tent, sleeping bag/blanket, pillow, and one bag up to 20 pounds per rider. Fill out luggage tags at the check-in table, bring your luggage to the signed drop zone, and from there we will transport your luggage to your campout location. Volunteers will also bring back your luggage to the start/finish point the next day.
What if I cannot make it to the location I want to go?
This ride is on a trail with four rest stops. The rest stops are located at the Adna trailhead, Ceres Hill Road trailhead, Pe Ell trailhead, and Frances. Feel free to rest at these stops as long as you need. If you cannot continue, you are responsible for securing your own transportation to and from the ride.
How hilly is the route?
The Willapa Hills Trail is a former railroad, and has been converted to a rail-to-trail with minimal elevation grades of 2 to 3 percent in varying spots. The only hills with measurable incline are at Doty between miles 17.5 and 19, and Pluvius between miles 24 and 31. However, those inclines are gradual and easily rideable by people with any degree of ability.
Why am I given numbers to attach to my shirt?
These numbers are used to identify you during the ride so that we can provide you with assistance and services if necessary. They are also used for identification in case of emergency.
How can I locate another rider during the event?
With many riders on the trail, it is not always possible for staff to track down riders for others. We suggest that riders with these concerns carry cell phones or personal radios to keep in touch, but ultimately the best option is to stay together as much as possible. If you need assistance, let a route monitor know and we will do our best to help.
Is there assistance along the trail should something happen during the ride?
Yes, we will have route monitors along the trail equipped with cell phones to communicate with other staff in the event of emergency or if you need assistance. These monitors will ride with shirts marked with STAFF on the back.
Do the medical stations give out over the counter drugs? (Aspirin, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, etc.)
The aid stations provide basic first aid to get you back on the trail, but cannot carry over-the-counter medications. Please carry your own medicines in the event of allergies, saddle issues, etc.
Is there a map of the route?
Yes, we will post one here on our website and Facebook page by mid-May. A paper copy will be provided at check-in, and maps will be posted along the route at checkpoint and aid stations. In short, the trail between Chehalis and Frances is just over 35 miles long, with four rest stops in between. Medical aid stations are set up at Ceres Hill and Pe Ell.
Will there be bathrooms along the route?
Yes, we will place portable toilets at rest stops for your convenience. Some of the trailheads also have vault toilets, and full restrooms are available at Rainbow Falls State Park and the Pe Ell Trailhead.
Will my cell phone work?
Your reception may vary based on your device and cell phone carrier. From our experience, Verizon and T-Mobile work very well along most of the trail.
Do I need to bring cash?
We strongly encourage that you do, to take advantage of vendors and restaurants along the route and in Pe Ell. There is only one ATM in Pe Ell, so please have cash on hand before you take off from Chehalis!
Is alcohol, smoking, marijuana and/or firearms allowed?
No. All are prohibited since the ride takes place on land owned by Washington State Parks.
Can I ride further on the trail?
The trail is closed to riders past the Frances rest stop due to unimproved trail conditions. Please stay within our ride boundary for your safety.
Where can I get additional information about the event?
Hit the Contact Us link in the top bar and we’ll do our best to answer you ASAP!