Kelso - Longview Travel Guide

Tourist 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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Longview Heights

The coffee shops and gardens are a few reasons travellers visit Longview Heights. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Triangle Bowl and Lake Sacajawea Park are a few top sights 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
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Old West Side

While Old West Side isn't home to many top sights, Lake Sacajawea Park and Triangle Bowl are some notable places to visit nearby.

Old West Side
Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview

Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview

3 out of 5
510 Kelso Dr, Kelso, WA
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
5.4/10 (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was conveniently located… clean… quiet…price not inflated due to local bike event that we have participated in for the last 25 years. Staff fixed the broken toilet quickly. We will return next year. Well done"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
Lewis River Inn

Lewis River Inn

2.5 out of 5
1100 Lewis River Rd., Woodland, WA
The price is ₹11,056 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹11,056
₹12,262 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Woodland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"View of river from room. Great breakfast. Nice lobby with fresh flowers on tables. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 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 ₹10,846 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹10,846
₹12,050 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf motel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (419 reviews)
Loved it
"So great! The shower head was amazing and the bed was so comfortable. It felt so welcoming! Your evening staff was lovely."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
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.
Hotel Cathlamet

Hotel Cathlamet

3 out of 5
69 Main Street, B370, Cathlamet, WA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Cathlamet. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Puget Island and Elochoman Slough Marina ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Such an interesting place, we loved the old school feel"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Hotel Cathlamet
Family-friendly Cottage w/ Playground in Centralia

Family-friendly Cottage w/ Playground in Centralia

3 out of 5
Centralia
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cottage in Centralia. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fort Borst Park and Ed Wheeler Field & ...
"Cozy cottage in Centralia WA was very comfortable. It was the perfect place to visit with family. Chris was very quick to respond when contacted and always had a helpful answer to questions. I would stay here again"

Reviewed on 1 May 2025

Family-friendly Cottage w/ Playground in Centralia
'astoria Painted Lady' Historic Apt w/ River View!

'astoria Painted Lady' Historic Apt w/ River View!

3 out of 5
3391 Irving Avenue, Astoria, OR
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Astoria. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Uppertown Firefighters Museum and The Children's Museum and Hanthorn ...
"What gorgeous views of the river."

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2024

'astoria Painted Lady' Historic Apt w/ River View!
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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