Kelso - Longview, WA

Travel Guide

Lake Sacajawea is a man-made lake in Longview, Washington. It is named after the Shoshone woman named Sacajawea who guided Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The lake is made up of four sections, each separated by a bridged road. Several small parks are part of the larger Lake Sacajawea Park. Lake Sacajawea Park is a 67-acre park in the middle of the city. The lake's water is pumped into the north end from the Cowlitz River and flows to the south end where it exits into the Columbia River. (Wiki) (June 2019)
Lake Sacajawea is a man-made lake in Longview, Washington. It is named after the Shoshone woman named Sacajawea who guided Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The lake is made up of four sections, each separated by a bridged road. Several small parks are part of the larger Lake Sacajawea Park. Lake Sacajawea Park is a 67-acre park in the middle of the city. The lake's water is pumped into the north end from the Cowlitz River and flows to the south end where it exits into the Columbia River. (Wiki) (June 2019)
Soaring Swan gliding over in formation.
Great little camping spot on the water! We had an awesome family reunion here for the weekend.
Of course, that doesn't mean they can't strike terror into pretty much anything that gets in their way.
Two serene towns connected by a bridge provide the ideal base for exploring Mount St. Helens and other outdoor highlights of this scenic part of Washington State.

Kelso and Longview are two quiet, friendly towns divided by the winding Cowlitz River. Stay in one of these charming towns to be ideally placed for hiking the picturesque trails of Mount St. Helens, fishing in rich waters and enjoying a wide array of welcoming small-town attractions.

Look for signs of the area’s Scottish roots as you explore. Visit pretty Tam O’Shanter Park, named after a poem by Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns. Come here in September to see adults and kids alike don kilts for the annual Highlander Festival. Watch participants in the Highland Games compete in traditional sports, and sample Scottish treats such as scones.

To see another side to the area’s history, head to the Cowlitz County Museum, which offers exhibits dating back to the early pioneer days. In the evening, see a show at the Columbia Theatre in Longview. This carefully restored building is a work of art in itself, and an important artifact of local history.

Bring your hiking boots when you come to Kelso and Longview, as the local trails are among the area’s greatest charms. Drive the beautiful road to Mount St. Helens, a major draw of the area. The dramatic silhouette of this volcano dominates the landscape for miles around. Pack a picnic and explore its slopes at your own pace, or join an expert-guided tour that will take you all the way into the crater.

Head deep underground by entering the nearby Ape Cave Lava Tubes, dramatic natural tunnels that no-one with a taste for adventure will be able to resist. Back in town, set up for a day of fishing at a peaceful spot by the edge of Cowlitz River or at gorgeous Lake Sacajawea. Or, head to Longview’s Mint Valley Golf Course to play a few rounds amid beautiful scenery.

Drive to Kelso and Longview from SeattleOpens in a new window in around 2 hours. As you approach, enjoy glorious views of the Cowlitz River, which flows parallel to parts of the road.

Where to stay in Kelso - Longview

blue hour off Washington Coast Olympic Mountain range PNW sky

Longview Heights

The coffeehouses and gardens are a few reasons travelers visit Longview Heights. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Cowlitz County Historical Museum and The Rutherglen Mansion, a few notable attractions nearby.

Longview Heights
Mount St Helens

West Side Highway

West Side Highway is well-liked for its bars. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Kelso area, you might plan a trip to Triangle Bowl or Cowlitz County Historical Museum.

West Side Highway
Mount St Helen's Looms Large Willamette River Portland Oregon

Old West Side

3/5(7 area reviews)

Old West Side might not have many top sights, but Triangle Bowl and Cowlitz County Historical Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Old West Side
Sleep Inn Kelso Longview

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview

2.5 out of 5
250 Kelso Dr Kelso WA
The price is NT$2,866 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
NT$2,866
NT$3,185 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf motel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (663 reviews)
all the above! great 💤 bed so confer ,room clean ,bathroom clean great breakfast, pool and hot tub clean and great,staff was very helpful and friendly, let's not forget the chocolate chip cookies at check inn nice touch! thank you sleep inn

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
Best Western Woodland Inn

Best Western Woodland Inn

2.5 out of 5
1380 Atlantic Avenue Woodland WA
The price is NT$2,756 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
NT$2,756
NT$3,056 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Woodland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Terrible check in. Expedia confirmation provided, but I wasn’t in the hotel system. I patiently waited while front desk worked to resolve. She never thanked me for being patient or apologized for the inconvenience. Our room was stuffy, outlets in bathroom didn’t work, bedside table lamp didn’t work, ...

Reviewed on 2026/2/20

Best Western Woodland Inn
Lewis River Inn

Lewis River Inn

2.5 out of 5
1100 Lewis River Rd. Woodland WA
The price is NT$4,698 per night from Feb 27 to Feb 28
NT$4,698
NT$5,210 total
Feb 27 - Feb 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Woodland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Clean and comfortable would absolutely recommend for great price!!

Reviewed on 2026/2/23

Lewis River Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Chehalis RV & Camping Resort

Chehalis RV & Camping Resort

2.5 out of 5
2228 Centralia Alpha Rd Chehalis WA
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Chehalis. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Newaukum Valley Golf Course ...
8/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
WiFi was not clear. All the cabin below info says free wifi- but in real life only available on lodges. We left 1 day early due to no WiFi - It’s crazy to say we’re dependent on WiFi due to kids with disabilities. My boy is disabled- having wifi is a way to communicate and for safety. You guys need ...

Reviewed on 2024/7/4

Chehalis RV & Camping Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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