Seeking Pacific Northwest charm with a touch of small-town warmth? Visit Longview, Washington! Nestled between Portland and Mount St. Helens, Longview offers scenic parks, local history, and quirky attractions. Whether you’re strolling through gardens, watching squirrels cross bridges, or exploring volcano trails, Longview is a laid-back hub for outdoor and cultural discovery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Longview is from late spring through early fall (May to September). These months offer pleasant weather for enjoying parks, hiking trails, and nearby rivers. Winter is mild but wetter, with fewer crowds.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located along I-5, Longview is about 1 hour north of Portland and 2 hours south of Seattle.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), followed by a scenic drive to Longview.
- By Train: Amtrak stops in nearby Kelso, just minutes from downtown Longview, with service to Portland, Seattle, and beyond.
Where to Stay
- Monticello Hotel – Historic downtown hotel with vintage charm and convenient access to shops and restaurants.
- Townhouse Extended Stay Hotel Downtown – Affordable suites for longer stays, located in the heart of Longview.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Kelso–Longview – Modern chain hotel with free breakfast and easy freeway access.
Top Attractions
⮕ Jog and walk along 3 miles of trails in Lake Sacajawea Park
Picturesque urban park with trails, fountains, botanical gardens, and kayak rentals.
© Josh/stock.adobe.com
Go biking, jogging and walking in Lake Sacajawea Park which features more than three miles of trails winding past two fountains, through rhododendron gardens, past flowers in bloom and under landscaped bridges. In addition to walking and biking, Lake Sacajawea Park also offers opportunities for families and friends to have a picnic, test their angling skills with fishing, or spend some time canoeing or kayaking on the lake. There are also two playgrounds and the park hosts several events throughout the year as well, such as the summer concert series.
Address: 1199 W Kessler Blvd, Longview, WA 98632
⮕ Cross the Lewis and Clark Bridge
© jkraft5/stock.adobe.com
The Lewis and Clark Bridge was designed by Joseph Strauss, of Golden Gate Bridge fame. When originally built, this was the longest cantilever bridge in the U.S. Today, it still stands at over 8,192 feet long over the Columbia River. It essentially connects Longview, WA to Rainier, OR. In 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Those who cross the bridge no longer pay the toll that was once in place, and if you decide to travel to Rainer, you’ll be greeted by the glorious sight of the bridge sitting before Mt. St. Helens.
Address: WA-433, Longview, WA 98632
⮕ Plan on the Mint Valley Golf Course
© antpkr/stock.adobe.com
At Par 71, this golf course is designed for golfers of all skill levels. This 18-hole course was designed by Ron Freem, the international architect for PGA pro Mahlon Moe. Though its beginnings were rocky, the course has become popular among both locals and tourists. Mint Valley Golf Course partners with the Valley Golf Academy to train the next generation of golfers. Along with Moe’s Grill, a great place to pick up a snack or burger, the Mint Valley Golf Course is home to chipping greens, a putting range, a 6-hole par 3 course, and a covered driving range. This course is walkable, but carts are available for rental.
Address: 4002 Pennsylvania Street, Longview, WA 98632, Phone: 442-5442
⮕ Explore Ape Cave Lava Tubes
© slay19/stock.adobe.com
Hike into the earth at the Ape Cave Lava Tubes just a short distance from Mt. St. Helens. At a roundtrip walk of 2.8 miles, the path is considered mostly easy with a leisurely return hike through lava formations in the forest. The location of one of America’s most well-known volcanic eruptions in 1980, these caves were formed over two millennia ago by slow-moving lava. When the outer layer of lava cooled, the inner magma was able to continue down the hill and drain before hardening, causing walkable tubes. There are two paths to choose from, the Lower Cave or the Upper Cave. Though considered safe, there are puddles and loose rocks throughout the caves, and the Upper Cave is the more rugged of the two trails.
Address: 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104, Phone: 206-625-1367
⮕ Go wine tasting at Roland Wines
© Roland Wines
Marc and Nancy Roland founded Roland Wines to bring a love of wine and relationships to the Longview area. The Roland family wants to make wine an accessible and fun lifestyle, not just reserved for wine snobs. Roland Wines has a wood-oven pizza oven on site to create delicious pizzas to go along with the wines for any scheduled events and tastings. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting in the tastings room Wednesday through Saturday. Other platters are available for purchase to accompany wine choices. Some of the popular Roland wines include Foggy Notion Red and White, Solstice Syrah, the Olifont, and Durandel.
Address: 1106 Florida Street, Longview, WA 98632, Phone: 360-846-7304
Where to Eat
⮕ Have dinner at Stuffy's II Restaurant
© Stuffy’s II Restaurant
The new 20-pound cinnamon “party roll” is not the only reason to check out Stuffy's II Restaurant. The mission of the restaurant is continuous fresh food and large portions. The original Stuffy’s opened in 1988. Since then, the second Stuffy’s keeps monthly specials menu, which features meals planned specifically for holidays and seasons. In fact, decorated trees are a staple for diners to admire, no matter the season. The Stuffy’s Hall of Fame is home to pictures of patrons who dared to complete one of the three food challenges: the bear roll, large stuff (7 lbs of food), or almost a dozen egg omelet.
Address: 804 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview, WA 98632, Phone: 360-423-6356
⮕ Taco Time
© Taco Time
Hungry for some quick service Mexican food? Taco Time was founded in 1962 and is now on its fourth generation of ownership. Each year, the 75 local Taco Times serve over 12 million customers or twice the population of Washington state. It’s no surprise when looking at the menu. One of the key menu items that all combos come with is Mexi-Fries, which are freshly seasoned tater tots. Crunchy and soft tacos are popular, as are the burritos and rice bowls featuring coconut shrimp, chicken, pinto beans, fried fish, or ground beef. Dessert offerings are limited, but tasty: churro bites and crustos (seasoned deep-fried flour tortillas).
Address: 837 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview, WA 98632, Phone: 360-636-3440
⮕ The Office 842
© The Office 842
Full of gluten-free and vegan-friendly items, The Office 842 built their menu with the foodie in mind. With daily happy hours, patrons can purchase tapas and one of the 42 specialty martinis on the menu. Consider trying one of the top-secret recipes, like the Cantaloupe, or a local favorite, like the Mt. St. Helens 9featuring a Pop Rocks rim). Breakfast options are also available to go with handcrafted espresso drinks. Not just a restaurant, the Office 842 is an Internet café, featuring relaxing and rich décor. Customers can order online, in person, and on the Office 842 app for smartphones.
Address: 842 Washington Way, Longview, WA 98632, Phone: 360-442-4647
More Local Attractions
- Nutty Narrows Squirrel Bridges – Quirky and beloved “squirrel bridges” downtown, complete with plaques and photo ops.
- The Rutherglen Mansion – Tour a stately early 1900s mansion with stories of Longview’s founding days.
- Mount St. Helens Visitor Center – Just a short drive away, this center offers exhibits and views of the iconic volcano.
- Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts – Historic venue hosting concerts, plays, and community performances year-round.
Local Events
- Go 4th Festival (July 4) – Independence Day celebration with parades, concerts, and fireworks at Lake Sacajawea.
- Squirrel Fest (August) – Family-friendly downtown event honoring Longview’s squirrel bridge legacy.
- Harvest Festival at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds (October) – Seasonal fun with crafts, food vendors, and fall-themed activities.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Longview, Washington
- Kelso (5–10 min) – Catch a game at Story Field, stroll the Cowlitz Riverfront Trail, or visit local shops downtown.
- Castle Rock (15–20 min) – Hike the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center trails, explore the Spirit Lake Highway, or stroll along the Cowlitz River.
- Rainier, OR (10–15 min) – Cross the Lewis and Clark Bridge, browse antique shops, or relax at Rainier City Park with river views.
- Kalama (20–25 min) – Watch ships from the waterfront, visit Kalama Harbor Lodge, or explore boutique shops near the marina.
- Toutle (25–30 min) – Drive toward Mount St. Helens, fish the Toutle River, or visit local nature and wildlife areas.
- Lexington (10–15 min) – Relax in riverside parks, bike the dike trail, or enjoy quiet residential vibes and nature access.
- Carrolls (15–20 min) – Visit scenic lookouts, explore local berry farms, or take peaceful drives along the Columbia River.
- Rose Valley (20–25 min) – Enjoy wooded trails, scenic views, or discover hidden country roads and quiet escapes.
- Beacon Hill Area (10–15 min) – Hike forested hills, catch panoramic views, or explore peaceful backroads just outside town.
FAQ
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Where is Longview, Washington located?
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Sitting in the shadow of Mount St. Helens volcano, the city of Longview, Washington, offers a scenic and vibrant destination for visitors.
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What attractions can visitors enjoy in Longview?
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Visitors to Longview can explore numerous parks, museums, and natural wonders in the area.
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What dining options are available in Longview?
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The city offers a vast array of food options, with some restaurants specifically catering to visiting foodies.
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What is Squirrel Fest?
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The annual Squirrel Fest began in 2011 and includes the unveiling of a squirrel-specific bridge, designed to help squirrels safely cross busy roads.
Plan Your Trip