Header Image of cyclist on trail with Thurston Regional Trails Plan logo

text: HowDoYouTrail?

Making Connections

The Chehalis-Western, Karen Fraser Woodland, and Yelm-Tenino trails form the trunks of a 56+ mile trail system that branches across the Thurston region’s landscape. Trails offer a variety of benefits to communities, but they are most popular for their parklike attractions and for offering safe biking and walking routes to community destinations. 

As the region’s population grows, so will demand for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Our region needs a shared long-term vision and blueprint to build and maintain a safe and cost-effective trail system to serve a variety of community needs today and into the future.

The Regional Trails Plan

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is leading an update of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan. The plan will outline strategies to coordinate the long-term operation, maintenance, and expansion of a trail system that will link to communities both within and beyond our borders.

photo of cyclist on Chehalis Western trail approaching railroad tunnel in spring

What type of trails will the plan address?

In many communities, shared–use paths may be referred to as multiuse trails, bike paths, hiker/biker trails, or similar terms. These trails are designed for two-way travel and are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by open space or other barriers. They are typically 10 to 12 feet wide with a paved surface. They are designed to accommodate a variety of uses and devices such as bicycling, walking and jogging, skating, horseback riding, wheelchairs, and scooters. In the Thurston region, the longest shared-use paths are constructed on former railroad corridors.

Contact Us

  1. Paul Brewster
    Senior Planner
    brewstp@trpc.org

    Thurston Regional Planning Council
    2411 Chandler Court SW
    Olympia, WA 98502
    Ph: 360-956-7575
  1. join-our-email-list

    STAY INFORMED!
    Subscribe to an email distribution list.