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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Lewis River Inn

Lewis River Inn

2.5 out of 5
1100 Lewis River Rd., Woodland, WA
The price is AU$266 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$266
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 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 AU$207 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$207
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (461 reviews)
"Great front desk staff, room was clean and spacious. It’s in a great/easy location. Breakfast was great but wish we had been told it ended at 9. Would stay here again!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
Motel 6 Kelso - Mt. St. Helens

Motel 6 Kelso - Mt. St. Helens

2 out of 5
106 N Minor Rd, Kelso, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$117 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$117
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kelso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (725 reviews)
"Frequent guest here. Clean, staff is friendly and helpful. Good deal for price"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Motel 6 Kelso - Mt. St. Helens
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Such an interesting place, we loved the old school feel"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 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! (178 reviews)
"What a wonderful place and accommodating hosts!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Beautiful Lower Columbia Hamlet On The Water
Private dog-friendly home near creek & minutes from I-5 with firepit

Private dog-friendly home near creek & minutes from I-5 with firepit

Toledo
Stay at this vacation home in Toledo. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Absolutely loved this little cabin. Its in the woods and has amazing privacy but yet so close to I5. If im staying in the area again i will most definitely stay here if its available. Owner was very responsive when i had a question about a change to how many people and easy to work with. Definitely ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Private dog-friendly home near creek & minutes from I-5 with firepit
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Kelso - Longview