Chehalis - midway point with nature and farm-to-table restaurants
With equal distance to Portland and Seattle, Chehalis is a midway point in the Pacific Northwest with farm-to-table restaurants and a historic downtown in a rural river valley. Within driving distance of the beach, the mountains and the city, this nature-oriented community is known for its railroad history, antique shops and forest recreation along the Chehalis River. "We have the mountains, hunting and fishing in a central location between cities," says Jody Kyes, an area local and managing broker at Windermere Centralia. "It is a very diverse place to be. People like the feeling of living here."
Eclectic historic districts with 20th-century homes
This community features an eclectic layout with historic architecture surrounded by hilly terrain and secluded forests. Chehalis has three historic districts, like the Hillside neighborhood, with early 20th-century architecture like Queen Annes and Tudor-style houses. The most common housing styles are Craftsman-style bungalows and traditional homes. Home prices range from $110,000 to $860,000. "My typical buyer is someone with adult children living in Portland or Seattle. It is a perfect central place to live independently where you can still be around your children," Kyes says.
Vegan cafes and brick boutiques on Market Boulevard
The center of Downtown Chehalis is Market Boulevard, which has brick boutiques, bookstores and antique shops. "Centralia and Chehalis are well-known for their antique stores," Kyes says. "There's a high concentration, and people come from all over to visit them." Featured on the culinary TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Once Upon a Thyme serves paninis and vegan dishes in a lunch café with outdoor deck seating. Another option is Jeremy's Farm to Table, a rustic eatery serving classic American dishes made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. Residents can pick up groceries at Safeway or Walmart Supercenter.
Forest trails lead to Willapa Hills and Rainbow Falls
One of the area's most popular hiking paths is the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a mixed-use route spanning 56 miles from Chehalis to South Bend. Another green space is Recreation Park, which features four turf baseball diamonds and a swimming pool facility. It also has various play structures and climbing equipment at the Penny Playground. About 20 miles west, Rainbow Falls State Park is a popular place to go camping, with swimming holes and rapids on the Chehalis River. Less than 80 miles away are some of North America's most acclaimed natural landmarks, including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and beaches on the Pacific Ocean.
The Chehalis River can cause flooding, particularly west of Interstate 5. While wildfires are less frequent than in other parts of the state, smoke from neighboring areas can reduce local air quality. Like many areas in Washington, the county has mitigation plans for disasters like avalanches, active volcano events and earthquakes because of its proximity to the Cascade Mountain Range.
B-rated schools with music programs and sports teams
While no scoring information is available, students can attend James W. Lintott, Bennett and Olympic Elementary Schools before third grade. Orin C. Elementary School serves grades three through 5, earning a B-minus grade from Niche. Its curriculum focuses on growth, development and student success. Chehalis Middle School also receives a B-minus and has a music program encompassing band and guitar lessons. W.F. West High School has a B, offering storied athletic programs in sports like softball and wrestling.
Military museum and themed train rides
Attractions provide unique experiences for visitors. The Veterans Memorial Museum features American military memorabilia, antique vehicles and weaponry. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum has scenic locomotive rides through the Chehalis Valley, with trip themes like the Roaring 20s, the Polar Express and murder mysteries. Residents can see a film at the Midway Cinema, a vintage movie theater with an arcade and deals like “$5 Tuesdays.”
Taking Interstate 5 to Portland and Seattle
The Lewis County Transit bus system provides fixed-route transportation through Centralia and Chehalis. Interstate 5 runs alongside this community, providing quick access to a vital West Coast expressway. Portland is about 90 miles south on Interstate 5, while Seattle is roughly 90 miles north. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 80 miles north, with passenger flights to cities worldwide.
