Kelso - Longview, WA

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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Old West Side

3/5(7 area reviews)

Old West Side might not have many top sights, but Lake Sacajawea Park and Triangle Bowl are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Old West Side
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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 Triangle Bowl and Lake Sacajawea Park, a few notable attractions 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
Lewis River Inn

Lewis River Inn

2.5 out of 5
1100 Lewis River Rd., Woodland, WA
The price is ¥18,834 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥18,834
¥20,887 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"It was easy to check in the ladies were awesome. Nice and quite just what i needed. Until i showered and broke out in an awful rash. Not sure if it was the water or towels but i used all my own soap. Other then that i was very happy!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Lewis River Inn
Sleep Inn Kelso Longview

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview

2.5 out of 5
250 Kelso Dr, I-5 Exit 39, Kelso, WA
The price is ¥16,683 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥16,683
¥18,535 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (549 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
OYO Woodland Hotel and Suites

OYO Woodland Hotel and Suites

2 out of 5
1500 Atlantic Ave, Woodland, WA
The price is ¥10,651 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
¥10,651
¥13,307 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Woodland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (766 reviews)
"Nice place for traveling. Check in and out fast"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

OYO Woodland Hotel and Suites
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.
Beautiful Lower Columbia Hamlet On The Water

Beautiful Lower Columbia Hamlet On The Water

Cathlamet
Stay at this vacation home in Cathlamet. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Puget Island and Elochoman ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean, great views!!"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Beautiful Lower Columbia Hamlet On The Water
The Peaceful Hidden House Bungalow, Bed & Breakfast

The Peaceful Hidden House Bungalow, Bed & Breakfast

Castle Rock
Stay at this vacation home in Castle Rock. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden.
10/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"Beautifully decorated. Peaceful surroundings. Perfect place to crash after hiking on Mt. St. Helens."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

The Peaceful Hidden House Bungalow, Bed & Breakfast
Renovated, dog-friendly lodge with river view, kayaks, great deck & firepit

Renovated, dog-friendly lodge with river view, kayaks, great deck & firepit

2 out of 5
Kalama
Stay at this vacation home in Kalama. Enjoy laundry facilities, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Upper Kalama Water Access Site and Woodland Motocross ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"This property is fabulous! Plenty of space for our family, with endless things for the kids to do. The roll-up garage game room kept us entertained for hours (darts, pool, air hockey & ping pong) The surroundings are beautiful & include the gorgeous Kalama River directly across the road. The house ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Renovated, dog-friendly lodge with river view, kayaks, great deck & firepit
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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