Lewis County

Lewis County is an administrative region in western Washington with valleys, mountains, forests, and rivers spanning its landscape. The territory connects urban centers like Chehalis with rural communities and protected natural areas.

The area was officially established as Lewis County in 1845 during the westward expansion of the United States into the Pacific Northwest. The timber industry later became dominant, driving much of the region's growth and economic development.

The region has deep ties to timber harvesting and Native American heritage, visible in local museums and tribal communities that remain active today. This legacy shapes how residents relate to the land and each other.

The county administrative center is located in Chehalis, where visitors can find information and services for the region. Spring through fall offers the best conditions for exploring, as roads are generally accessible and weather is mild.

The region encompasses parts of three major protected areas: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Rainier National Park, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This overlap gives visitors rare access to explore multiple significant ecosystems within a single county.

Location: Washington

Inception: December 19, 1845

Capital city: Chehalis

Shares border with: Grays Harbor County, Thurston County, Pierce County, Yakima County, Skamania County, Cowlitz County, Wahkiakum County, Pacific County

Website: http://co.lewis.wa.us

GPS coordinates: 46.58000,-122.40000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:30