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Visit Mt St Helens Boat Launches - Plan Your Launch

Boat launches throughout Cowlitz and surrounding counties range from small, low-impact access sites ideal for paddlers to larger facilities designed for trailered boats. Many are located near parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas, making them perfect starting points for fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, or a full day of lake exploration.
Discover the Best Northwest!

Boat Launches in Cowlitz County

From quiet hand-launch spots to fully developed ramps, the Mt. St. Helens region offers a wide variety of boat launches that make it easy to get out on the water. Whether you’re paddling a kayak, launching a canoe, or accessing larger lakes and reservoirs by boat, these locations provide convenient entry points to some of the area’s most scenic waterways.

Boat launches throughout Cowlitz and surrounding counties range from small, low-impact access sites ideal for paddlers to larger facilities designed for trailered boats. Many are located near parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas, making them perfect starting points for fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, or a full day of lake exploration.

Use this guide to find the right launch for your adventure, including access details, amenities, and important considerations before you go.

• Waterbody: Cowlitz River
• Facilities: Parking
• Boat Types: Motor, non-motor, kayak
• Notes: Popular river launch for fishing and recreation.

Access for
Castle Rock, Cowlitz River

• Waterbody: Cowlitz River
• Facilities: Parking
• Boat Types: Motor, non-motor
• Notes: Convenient access for local anglers; limited amenities, hand-launch suitable for smaller boats and kayaks.

Access for
Cowlitz River, Kelso, Longview

• Waterbody: Coal Creek Slough
• Facilities: Parking
• Boat Types: Kayaks, small boats
• Notes: Small concrete ramp; hand-launch required for most craft.

Access for
Longview

• Waterbody: Merwin Reservoir
• Facilities: Two-lane ramp, parking, beach area
• Boat Types: Motor, non-motor, kayak
• Notes: Marina-style access for larger boats
• Fee: Yes

Access for
Ariel, Cougar, Merwin Reservoir

• Waterbody: Columbia River
• Facilities: Parking, picnic area
• Boat Types: Motor, non-motor, kayak
• Notes: Popular for fishing and family outings; small ramp with easy river access.

Access for
Cowlitz River, Longview

• Waterbody: Lewis River
• Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, parking
• Boat Types: Small craft, non-motorized
• Notes: Popular local launch with easy river access.

Access for
Woodland

• Waterbody: Kalama River
• Facilities: Parking
• Boat Types: Small boat, kayak
• Notes: River access and boat launch for fishing or small craft.

Access for
Cowlitz River, Kalama

• Waterbody: Cowlitz River
• Facilities: Primitive (no restrooms)
• Boat Types: Small boat, kayak
• Notes: Bank fishing and river access; basic launch only.

Access for
Castle Rock, Cowlitz River

• Waterbody: Lake Sacajawea
• Facilities: Picnic areas, parking
• Boat Types: Kayak, canoe, paddleboard
• Notes: Hand-carry only; no boat ramp.

Access for
Longview

• Waterbody: Lewis River
• Facilities: Parking
• Boat Types: Small craft, kayak
• Notes: Angled river access; good for fishing and casual boating.

Access for
Woodland

• Waterbody: Merrill Lake
• Facilities: Forest access, camping, parking
• Boat Types: Non-motor craft
• Notes: Small lake; ideal for quiet paddling and camping trips.

Access for
Ariel

• Waterbody: Columbia River
• Facilities: Restrooms, parking, docks
• Boat Types: Motor, non-motor, kayak
• Notes: Full marina with boat launch and guest moorage.

Access for
Columbia River, Kalama


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Cowlitz County Tourism