If you’ve found yourself craving wide open spaces à la The Chicks with a dose of small-town charm, look no further than Cowlitz County.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a slow and leisurely day out or an adventure-packed excursion, Cowlitz County offers something for everyone. Find our recommendations for things to do and places to fuel for your trip below.
Things to Do
Exploring Mount St. Helens’ Lava Tubes
As one of the most popular trails in Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the third-longest lava tube in North America, Ape Cave near Mount St. Helens is an adventure you don’t want to miss.
Upon arrival, trekkers will descend a series of staircases that lead into the lava tube. Once at the tube’s entrance, the 2.5-mile long jaunt through the dark and damp caverns begins. (For those who are short on time, there’s a lower lava tube spanning just three-quarters of a mile.)
Things to know before going: A $2 timed reservation ticket is required in addition to a Northwest Forest Pass for park entry. No food, pets, smoking, or rock collecting are allowed. It’s recommended to bring two to three sources of light and spare batteries, too.
Paddleboarding on Coldwater Lake
With the weather heating up, one way to cool down is with a trip down to the lake. Coldwater Lake is surrounded by scenic mountain views and plenty of greenery, plus plenty of space for visitors to spend the day fishing, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, or taking a good old swim. Coldwater Lake has bathrooms and a picnic area for visitors, basically inviting visitors to stay put for a while. Day use for the lake is $5 per car, and day passes can be purchased here.
Living History at the Lelooska Foundation and Cultural Center
For those seeking a deeper look into Cowlitz County’s history, consider a stop at Ariel’s Lelooska Foundation and Cultural Center.
The cultural center was originally built in 1972 to share the history of the Kwa’kwaka’wakw tribe and honorary member and leader Chief Lelooska. Today, it’s additionally home to a museum, gathering hall, two ceremonial houses, an administrative building, and totem-pole-restoration and canoe-carving workshop.
The museum also hosts an impressive display of artifacts such as baskets, tomahawks, and a 15-foot birch bark canoe.
The cultural center additionally regularly hosts live performances. On June 6, for example, tribal members will share songs, dances, stories, masks, and more with visitors. Find more information on the center’s hours and how to attend here.
Peruse the Cowlitz County Farmers Market
If you’re on the hunt for in-season produce, look no further than Cowlitz County’s Farmers Market. Beginning June 2, the market will be at the Fairgrounds parking lot in Longview each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Current vendors sell items such as macarons, chocolate, florals, scratch-made bread, lemonade, and more.
Places to Eat
Need to make a stop and grab a bite to eat? Cowlitz County has a plethora of options to choose from that range from casual dining to intimate date-night spots. Here are just a few that you may want to check out on the way.
Antony’s Pizzeria & Eatery in Woodland
Looking for a slice of ’za? Antony’s Pizzeria & Eatery has everything from classic pepperoni to chicken alfredo, cheeseburger, and Philly cheesesteak pizza. There are also sandwiches, calzones, and salads if pizza isn’t, exactly, what you’re craving.
Rosie’s Restaurant in Woodland
American diner-style Rosie’s Restaurant has been serving breakfast all day, every day, since 1985. While breakfast is the specialty at Rosie’s, one can still grab lunch or dinner with comfort food that hits the spot.
McMenamins Pub at Kalama Harbor Lodge
Stop or stay at the iconic McMenamins Pub at Kalama Harbor Lodge offers both a place to stay and a place to dine and/or drink with a view. Though outdoor seating offers august views of the Columbia River, the interior is filigreed with (characteristically for McMenamins) artfully kooky décor that makes no seat in the house a bad one.
El Ranchero in Longview
El Ranchero has been serving the Longview and greater Cowlitz community with authentic Mexican cuisine since 1998. The area staple is located close to I-5, making it an easy choice to visit while on the road.