Kelso - Longview

Travel Guide

Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens
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

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Longview Heights

The coffee shops and gardens are a few reasons travellers visit Longview Heights. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Triangle Bowl and Regal Triangle Cinemas 4 are a few top sights nearby.

Longview Heights
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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
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Old West Side

While Old West Side isn't home to many top sights, Lake Sacajawea Park and Regal Triangle Cinemas 4 are some notable places to visit nearby.

Old West Side
Lewis River Inn
Lewis River Inn
2.5 out of 5
1100 Lewis River Rd., Woodland, WA
The price is S$142 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$142
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Best accomodations in Woodland/Vancouver area!
"We always enjoy our stay at Lewis River Inn! Rooms are always spotless and very comfortable. They have dog -friendly rooms with hard floors ( no carpet) with dog beds and bowls! Really thoughtful. The breakfasts are always great. There is a big waffle maker, biscuits with gravy, oatmeal, bagels, ..."

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 2025

Lewis River Inn
Quality Inn & Suites Longview Kelso
Quality Inn & Suites Longview Kelso
2.5 out of 5
723 7th Ave, Longview, WA
The price is S$154 per night from 18 May to 19 May
S$154
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Longview. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"This was such a nice quiet place. You can tell it is not a new building but it is very clean and comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Definitely recommended!!"

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Longview Kelso
Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
2.5 out of 5
250 Kelso Dr, I-5 Exit 39, Kelso, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$171 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
S$171
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (314 reviews)
"It was a great place to stay for a couple of days. The staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 14 Apr, 2025

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
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.
Hotel Cathlamet
Hotel Cathlamet
3 out of 5
69 Main Street, B370, Cathlamet, WA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Cathlamet. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Puget Island and Elochoman Slough Marina ...
Hotel Cathlamet
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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