Seminary Hill Natural Area

The trailhead and parking area are found at Barner Drive and Locust Street in Centralia. The main trail entrance is in the southwest corner of the parking area. A second trail entrance, to the mobility-friendly trail, is by the picnic shelter. On the hill, there are many interconnecting loops and several in/out trails that can be confusing, so it is helpful to take a photo of the map or grab a paper copy from the box on the chain-link fence. 

As you begin your walk, you will see informational signs about the history of the area, along with a large sign with a map of the trails, which offer more than 2.5 miles of wandering. (Note that the sign has not been updated to show the recent reroute of the upper Kiser Trail.)

The Natural Area offers a main loop of 3 trails (Indian Pipe, Kiser, Barner Drive), 4 smaller loop trails (Ridge, Waterleaf, Grand Fir, Maple), 2 larger loop trails (Canyon, Pleasant) and 3 in and out trails (Washington School, Old Wagon Road, Rim Trail from Staebler point to the boundary of the park). All trails emanate from the Kiser Trail on the main loop trail.  

To hike the main loop (approximately 0.7 of a mile), follow the trail up the entrance steps, a short way into the forest. At the T, turn right onto the Indian Pipe Trail (0.24 mile). Climb fairly steeply (200 feet of elevation) to the first left trail — the Kiser Trail (0.32 miles). Halfway along the trail, a junction appears at an old pipe. Take the left trail and continue to the Barner Drive Trail (0.24 mile), which leads you back down to the entrance steps. This completes the loop. This 100-year-old forest loop is full of Western red cedar and Douglas fir with a lovely understory of ferns, waterleaf and the usual Pacific Northwest greenery.  

Just past the junction of the Indian Pipe and Kiser Trails, to the west, is the in-and-out Washington School Trail (0.21 mile each way). It is steep, narrow and has many steps half-way down. The trail exits the forest into a field behind Washington Elementary School.

From the Kiser Trail, just past the Washington School Trail entrance, bear left (east) onto the level Waterleaf Trail (0.10 mile) that loops back to the Kiser Trail. To your right, what appears to be a trail will take you out of the Natural Area. Don’t take it.  Back on the Kiser Trail, continue to the pipe junction and follow the Kiser Trail to the right. You will pass one end of the looping Grand Fir Trail (0.17 mile) on your right. 

Straight ahead, the Kiser Trail meanders gradually uphill through a forest of large Douglas fir, big leaf maple, and Western red cedar. At an intersection, continue to the right. To the left, a bench will indicate the Pleasant Trail (0.14 mile), which loops to the Canyon Trail (0.28 mile). Further on, the Kiser trail merges with the Grand Fir Loop Trail, a steeper trail with many steps.   

Continuing on the Kiser Trail, you will see an entrance to the Maple Trail (0.2 mile) loop. It intersects with the Ridge Trail (0.24 mile). There are a few steps onto this narrower trail. Look closely to see draping moss covering cascara trees, bitter cherry trees, old big leaf maples and tangled vine maples. It can look eerie on a cloudy or foggy day. This scene is due to the blowdown of Douglas fir trees in 1990.

Cross the Old Wagon Trail (0.16 mile each way)(in and out) to your right. This area was logged of Douglas fir in 1980, leaving old big leaf maples and vine maples to greet you. Past the entrance to the Old Wagon Trail, it is a short distance to Staebler Point. A bench offers views of Centralia. To the right is the in-and-out Rim Trail (0.22 mile) to the park boundary.  

From the bench at Staebler Point, follow the trail that goes straight ahead, and you will be back on the Kiser Trail. Walk down the steps, turn right and hike a short distance to the Canyon Trail. Turn right. Head downhill on a steep, narrow staircase. Across the way, you can see the reservoir behind a fence, inaccessible to the public. The trail continues downhill, curves around, and passes the Pleasant Trail. Go past the next intersection and bear left. This will intersect with the Barner Drive Trail.  Turn right and follow the trail back to the parking area.  

WTA Pro Tip #1: Don't forget your map!

WTA Pro Tip #2: In addition to the trails, visitors can enjoy interpretive signs at the trail entrance, which tell the fascinating history of the Natural Area and how the Friends of Seminary Hill Natural Area saved the area from logging in 1980.

WTA Pro Tip #3: Beware: there are many steps at the entrance, on the Barner Drive, Grand Fir, Canyon and Washington School Trails. It is important to walk on the stairs and not next to them. Walking next to them will cause erosion that can be difficult and expensive to fix.