Cowlitz: River Trails, Forests and Volcanic Landscapes

In Cowlitz, river parks, wetlands, forest landscapes and volcanically shaped destinations meet a tangible regional history. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the differences: a network of paved park trails, natural trails in unstable condition, and an island accessible only by boat offer very different ways to experience the landscape.

River Parks and Trails with Different Character

The Cowlitz County Parks and Recreation Department includes ten parks and recreational facilities, including Riverside Park and Harry Gardner Park and Campground. At Riverside Park, an extensive network of paved walking trails leads to the levee along the Cowlitz River, with views over the park from there. Soccer, baseball, tennis and basketball courts complement the trail network. Visitors who want to combine trails and sports facilities in a single park visit will find several options here.

Harry Gardner Park has 11 RV sites and 11 tent sites. It also has hiking trails, playground equipment and easy access to the South Toutle River for fishing and swimming. Another waterside trail is the Cook Ferry Trail System: the 2.5-mile trail along the Cowlitz River is intended for pedestrians and horseback riders; there are also opportunities for fishing along the river. On the Columbia River, Marine Park is a five-acre day-use park with trails for walking and cycling.

Coweeman River Park differs considerably from the paved trails at Riverside Park. The park is currently being developed to provide public access to the Coweeman River. Two constructed trails lead to the river, but their condition is rough and unstable. Cowlitz County also borders Interstate 5, which makes it easier to access various activities in the county.

Forests, Wetlands and Volcanic Landscapes

The 475-acre Seaquest State Park is a year-round campground in fir forests below Mount St. Helens. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center offers scientific exhibits, a theater and educational programs, and serves as an access point to the U.S. Forest Service’s National Volcanic Monument. The Loowit Trail circles Mount St. Helens for about 30 miles through volcanic and forest landscapes; conditions and access vary by season. Ape Cave is a 2.5-mile lava tube and is considered the third-longest lava tube in North America.

The waterscapes also offer different perspectives. At Silver Lake, visitors can observe aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl from a 0.6-mile trail with boardwalks across the wetland. Check operating details before your visit. The Hall Road Wildlife Area Unit is managed to protect wetlands and adjacent forest habitats on higher ground. The Fisher Island Wildlife Area Unit lies in the Columbia River in Cowlitz County and is accessible only by boat. Columbian white-tailed deer live on the island.

Local History and Trip Planning

At the Transportation Interpretive Center, you can learn how transportation shaped the settlement and development of Kalama. A 1917 Northern Pacific steam locomotive is also on display there. An information panel at Finn Hall tells the story of the Finn Hall that originally stood at this site. Many of the region’s earliest settlers and founders are buried at Catlin Cemetery; the cemetery’s pedestrian gate is open at all times.

Longview also offers different types of trails: paved, gravel and natural-surface routes lead to scenic attractions and historic neighborhoods. When choosing a vacation rental, a useful starting point is deciding what you want to focus on: park trails and sports facilities, forest and volcanic landscapes, or places of regional history can shape very different day plans. Compare your accommodation’s location with the destinations you want to visit, and take into account the seasonal conditions on the Loowit Trail and the fact that Fisher Island is accessible only by boat.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kelso, Longview, Kalama, Klickitat County, Kitsap, San Juan County, Grays Harbor County, Douglas County.

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