Hi Becky,
We did the Willapa Hills ride a few weeks ago and it was pretty good. We started at the Willipa Trail head and went to Pe Ell. The first 5 miles is paved. The sides were mowed. One road crossing has loose gravel on both sides but if you're stopping for the cars that should be no problem. The trail is not marked, but most of the surface is pretty good.
We had lunch at Evey's. Family owned, good shakes, remodeled this last winter. Sorry that we can't make it.
Happy riding!
MJ Gilbert