Longview is a laid-back city set on the Columbia River and nestled at the foot of Mount St. Helens. Visit the park to discover lava-formed landscapes and hike to the summit of an active volcano. Downtown Longview features a leafy lakeside park and a vibrant food and wine scene that will appeal to gastronomes.
Things to do in Longview
The Lewis and Clark Bridge stretches across the Columbia River and is a local landmark. It was designed by Joseph Strauss, the same architect who designed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Crossing over the bridge, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount St. Helens looming in the distance.
Lake Sacajawea Park is popular with local families and features 27 hectares of emerald-green lawns, scenic picnic spots and lush rhododendron gardens. The lake is well-stocked with trout, perch and largemouth bass. You can spot otters and beavers, as well as cormorants, Canada geese and colourful wood ducks.
Longview is an excellent base for visiting Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The climb to the summit of Mount St. Helens can be done by both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers, where you’ll gain more than 1,300 metres of elevation and unlock spectacular views. At the top, you can peer into the crater rim.
Discover one of the longest lava tubes in North America at the Ape Cave Interpretive Site in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The tubes were carved more than two millennia ago and offer a first-hand glimpse of how volcanic landscapes are formed.
Getting around Longview
Longview is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is located in Cowlitz County, a one-hour drive from Portland and 2.5 hours from Seattle. Kelso Station is a 10-minute drive or 40-minute walk from Downtown Longview. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a two-hour drive away.