Thurston Bountiful Byway Takes E-Bike Riders Through Scenic Chehalis Western Trail and Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail

E-bike riders are lucky to enjoy access to local routes like the Chehalis Western Trail and the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail, two tranquil biking paths that take them through scenic and varied Thurston County spots. And it’s easy to plan your great e-bike trip on those trails by checking the Thurston Beautiful Byway website before you head out.

Credit: courtesy of Jay and Lori Barney

A historic black and white image of a steam engine

The Chehalis Western Trail is located on a former railroad line that hauled logs from Vail to Woodard Bay. This engine is a Fireman’s side, 2-8-2 Locomotive no. 211.

Credit: John T. Labbe Collection of Logging and Railroad Photographs, 1892-2010, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov, (Accessed August 1, 2024)

*Article by Nancy Krier originally published on ThurstonTalk.com August 13 , 2024

The Thurston Bountiful Byway Guide outlines a 60-mile loop tour covering rural Thurston County, with information on what to see and do, places to stay, and where to eat and drink. And two of those routes you want to experience are on the Chehalis Western Trail and Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail.

Why E-biking in Thurston County is a Great Day Trip on the Bountiful Byway

E-bikes are a smart choice if you want to bike these two trails and you need a little assistance with hills or long distances. Older riders or those with physical challenges often find the e-bike battery’s energy assistance to boost their pedaling expands their fitness and outdoor recreation opportunities on designated pathways.

The Thurston Bountiful Byway guide includes the Chehalis Western Trail and Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail as popular spots for outdoor enthusiasts because the trails include miles of forests, agricultural lands and wetlands, with plenty of interesting stops along the way. And that interest in Thurston County’s outdoor locales holds true for e-bike riders as well.

There is no cost to use the two historic trails or to park at their trailheads, and lots of online information helps you plan your e-biking day. In addition to the Thurston Bountiful Byway Guide, the county’s webpage identifies the Chehalis Western Trail’s and Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail’s routes, trailheads and facilities.

An e-bike leans against a trail sign on a wooded path along the Chehalis Western Trail.

E-bike riders find the Chehalis Western Trail takes them through tranquil woods, prairies and along water.

Credit: Nancy Krier

Chehalis Western Trail in Thurston County Gives E-bike Riders Spectacular Views and Entertaining Stops

The county-owned popular Chehalis Western Trail is located on an abandoned corridor of the Chehalis Western Railroad, which included two Weyerhaeuser short lines that operated for about 60 years. Today, the multi-use trail guides e-bike riders and other outdoor recreationalists through 22 miles of beautiful Thurston County, offering spectacular views and more. “The trail runs north-south and stretches from Puget Sound at Woodard Bay to Vail in southeast Thurston County,” explains the county’s website.

This trail offers much for e-bike riders pedaling through settings that include majestic trees, verdant ferns, wildflowers, deer, eagles, blue herons, butterflies, waters and spectacular views. “It provides access to over 170-acres of park land including nearly two miles of frontage along the Deschutes River and features access to the Puget Sound, Chambers Lake, wetlands, forests, farmland, creeks, prairies and other habitats,” the Experience Olympia & Beyond website explains of the trail.

An e-bike propped up against the Chehalis Western Trailhead sign at Woodard Bay.

Thurston County provides several trailheads with free parking and access to the Chehalis Western Trail. One of the popular trail’s access points for e-bike riders and other outdoor enthusiasts is at Woodard Bay.

Credit: Nancy Krier

While planning your e-bike trip on this trail, you will not want to miss stops along the way like:

Monarch Sculpture Park. The park includes more than 110 contemporary sculptures, a fantasy garden, a bird and butterfly garden, a Japanese garden, and more.
Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area and Blue Heron Rookery. Park your e-bike at the bike rack before you walk in to see the home of seals, otters, eagles and blue herons.
Deschutes River. The trail parallels the Deschutes River for two miles, enabling e-bike riders to see and access the river.

Meanwhile, if you want to “ride along” this trail remotely by e-bike to see its views before you head out, watch two e-bike riders’ YouTube online videos titled “Rail Trail Biking – The Chehalis Western Rail Trail” and “Chehalis Western Trail – 04.20.24.”

A paved bike trail winding through an evergreen forest

The Chehalis Western Trail gives locals and visitors access to 22 miles of beautiful Thurston County. E-bike riders, walkers, hikers, runners, rollerbladers, and horseback riders can access the trail at multiple locations. Check the map on the Thurston County website

Credit: Nancy Krier

Thurston County’s Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail Gets E-Bike Riders Rolling Through Fun Local Spots

The Chehalis Western Trail intersects with the county’s Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail, paralleling the byway for several miles. Like its sister trail, this trail was also a former rail corridor, although for the Burlington Northern Railroad. This trail runs 14.5-miles east-west through southern Thurston County, connecting Yelm, Rainier, Tenino and rural locations.

This trail begins in Yelm and ends in Tenino. Just a few of the many places to stop on this trail include:

Tenino Spots. Spend some time at the Tenino City Park, the Tenino Quarry Pool, and the Tenino Farmers Market.
Yelm Farmers’ Market. The seasonal market sells local produce and products, plus there’s lots of other things nearby to check out in Yelm.
Wilkowski Park in Rainier. The park is just off the trail in Rainier and offers a playground, barbecues and other amenities.

Renting E-Bikes and Finding Places to Stay During Your Excursions Along the Bountiful Byway

Don’t have an e-bike but want to explore these trails? The Swantown Inn Bed and Breakfast in Olympia rents e-bikes, while providing charming accommodations for Thurston County visitors. Other great overnight options during your e-bike adventures include the Prairie Hotel in Yelm and The Marie Bed and Breakfast in Olympia, to list just a couple.