Cultural and Recreational Activities

Napavine is a family oriented city that promotes and encourages a large number of recreational activities designed to foster a wholesome family life.

In December 1973, the newly formed Napavine Jaycees submitted a request to the Washington State Jaycees to conduct a three-day celebration as a Chapter Project.

A Committee was formed and the dates of July 12th through 14th were selected.  The Napavine K-12 Student Body was asked to submit ideas to name the Festival.  The name Napavine Funtime Festival, submitted by Val Gruver, was chosen.

Plans were made to have a Princess Napawinah Coronation, teen dance, Carnival, parade, logging show, dunk tank, concessions and a street dance.

The first Napavine Funtime Festival was a success and continues to this day. The Napavine Funtime Festival occurs on the third weekend of July every year.

The Festival has also been the sponsor, along with Lewis County Fire District #5, of the annual "Christmas on Parade", that has been held on the first Saturday of December, each year, for the past 26 years.  Included is the lighting of the city center on 2nd Avenue.

Beaches
The City of Napavine is within reaching distance of some of the most beautiful beaches in the northwest. A couple hours drive gets you to surfing, fishing or walking the beach at one of the many towns that dot the Pacific Coast. Head up north to Puget Sound where adventures await in whale watching or kayaking the many inlets and channels in the sound and around the majestic San Juan Islands.

Mountains
Looking to head to the hills? The rugged Cascade Mountain and Olympic Mountain Range will fit your needs. Napavine is located only a couple hours from hiking on and around the active Mt. St. Helens to the beauties that await you in the glacier covered peaks of Mt. Rainier. Hiking, camping, climbing and skiing makes this a mountaineers paradise.

Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is the only rainforest in the continental United States. It hosts a vast array of plant life and animals. On its borders is the quiet retreat of Lake Quinalt and the warm waters of the Olympic Hot Springs. This makes the Olympic Peninsula a must see for visitor and residents.

Cities
Napavine is conveniently located midway between Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Both cities offer their unique personalities with popular destination spots. Catch a homerun watching the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field or enjoy wine tasting amongst some of the best wine growing fields in the country. Either way, both cities have much to offer and are only minutes away from Napavine.