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 Regal Triangle Cinemas 4 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 Regal Triangle Cinemas 4, 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
Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
3 out of 5
510 Kelso Dr, Kelso, WA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
5.4/10 (1,005 reviews)
"We lived in Kelso 45 years ago, so we know how old this hotel is. The rooms are okay and linens felt and seemed clean, but the overall appearance was old and in desperate need of renovation. There were lingering smells, especially at the entrance from the side parking lot. I actually thought I smelled ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
Lewis River Inn
Lewis River Inn
2.5 out of 5
1100 Lewis River Rd., Woodland, WA
$144 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$160 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Clean room and relatively quiet."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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
$131 nightly
The price is $146 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$146 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and 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! (399 reviews)
"It was easy to book the room. Check in was a breeze! Very friendly and helpful staff. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Free breakfast was excellent. I would definitely recommend this hotel. I will stay there sgsin next time I am in the area."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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 vacation home in Cathlamet. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Puget Island and Elochoman Slough Marina ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"The bed was soooo comfortable. Amazing!!!! The only thing that I would mention is that my room did not have a refrigerator. I'm looking forward to staying there on my next trip Cathlamet."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Hotel Cathlamet
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! (173 reviews)
"Beautiful lodge with scenic surroundings. Michael was very communicative every step of the way and made us feel very taken care of. Highly recommended for a cosy-quiet getaway."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Beautiful Lower Columbia Hamlet On The Water
Dog Friendly Puget Island Home on the Columbia River. Winter Rates!!
Dog Friendly Puget Island Home on the Columbia River. Winter Rates!!
Cathlamet
Stay at this vacation home in Cathlamet. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
Peaceful and Relaxing
"This was a great property. The home was clean and welcoming. It was such a peaceful, serene setting. We truly enjoyed it and will stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Dog Friendly Puget Island Home on the Columbia River. Winter Rates!!
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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