La Casa Tapatia
Woodland, WA
Lake Merwin
Lake Merwin offers a peaceful flatwater paddling experience in a scenic reservoir setting near Mount St. Helens. The calm water and wide-open views make it a popular destination for kayakers and paddlers looking for a relaxing day on the water.
Kayak Access
- Merwin Park boat ramp
Why It’s Great
- Calm flatwater paddling
- Scenic reservoir setting
Things to Know
- Motorized boat traffic is present; paddlers should remain alert
Lake Sacajawea (Longview)
Lake Sacajawea offers a unique urban kayaking experience in the heart of Longview, making it an ideal spot for beginners and casual paddlers. This non-motorized lake features calm, protected waters that are perfect for short, scenic paddles and relaxed wildlife viewing. Kayak access is available through hand-launch areas along the shoreline, allowing for easy entry without the need for a formal boat ramp.
Designed primarily for passive recreation, Lake Sacajawea is best enjoyed during quieter times of day, with paddlers encouraged to steer clear of high-use pedestrian areas and special events. Life jackets are required, and the peaceful setting makes this lake a welcoming introduction to kayaking in Cowlitz County while adding convenient, in-town access to the region’s diverse water recreation opportunities.
Urban Paddling Highlight
Kayak Access
- Hand-launch access from shoreline areas
- Non-motorized watercraft only (no formal boat ramp)
Why It’s Great
- Flat, protected water ideal for beginners
- Centrally located in Longview
- Perfect for short, scenic paddles and wildlife viewing
Important Notes
- Designed primarily for passive recreation
- Paddlers should avoid high-use pedestrian areas and special events
- Life jackets are required
Lake Sacajawea offers a unique urban paddling experience, adding variety and accessibility to Cowlitz County’s water recreation options.
Lake Sacajawea Park – Longview, Washington
Located in the heart of Longview, Lake Sacajawea Park is the city’s crown jewel — a beautiful 3.5-mile greenbelt that winds around a long, curving lake surrounded by scenic bridges, gardens, fountains, and walking trails. This beloved park offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, recreation, and community gathering spaces, making it a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike.
Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, or biking along the paved trail that circles the lake, go kayaking or paddle boating, or spend a relaxing afternoon fishing for trout and bass. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and peaceful garden spaces, including the tranquil Japanese Garden located on the south end.
Community Events
Lake Sacajawea is at the heart of Longview’s community celebrations, especially during the summer months. The park hosts a variety of annual events that bring the community together, including:
- Concerts at the Lake – A free summer concert series featuring live music in a beautiful lakeside setting.
- Movies in the Park – Family-friendly outdoor movie nights under the stars.
- Go 4th Festival – Longview’s signature Independence Day celebration, featuring a parade, food vendors, live entertainment, timber show, cardboard regatta and fireworks over the lake.
- Seasonal community gatherings – Additional events throughout the year celebrate holidays, local culture, and outdoor fun.
These beloved events make Lake Sacajawea a vibrant hub of music, entertainment, and family fun every summer and beyond.
Why It Stands Out
Lake Sacajawea is more than just a body of water in a city park — it’s a multifaceted recreational gem that beautifully blends thoughtful landscaping, community spaces, and outdoor enjoyment. What was once a natural slough was transformed in the 1920s into the stunning lake and park visitors experience today — a testament to visionary city planning and decades of community care.
The park is peppered with unique features like the Japanese Garden, the Frank Willis Arboretum — home to 119 identified tree species — along with rhododendron gardens, fountains, and picturesque bridges. These features add to the “crown jewel” feel locals often describe when speaking about the park.
Its central location in downtown Longview makes it easily accessible, offering residents and visitors a convenient place to unwind, exercise, and connect with nature — an “escape” right in the heart of the city. Whether you come for a peaceful walk, a family picnic, or one of the many community celebrations, Lake Sacajawea Park truly stands out as the heart and soul of Longview — a place where nature, recreation, and community come together.
Longview, WA 98632
• Waterbody: Lake Sacajawea
• Facilities: Picnic areas, parking
• Boat Types: Kayak, canoe, paddleboard
• Notes: Hand-carry only; no boat ramp.
A 3.6-mile gravel trail circles Lake Sacajawea Park. Along the trail visitors will come across:
- Arboretum Information
- Astrology Information
- Benches
- Fountains
- Japanese Gardens
- Lighting
- Mutt Mitt Stations
- Nature Watching
- Rhododendron Gardens
- Pedestrian Bridges
- Picnic Structures
- Picnic Tables
- Playgrounds
- Public Art
- Restrooms
Lakes Trail #211 to Coldwater Trail #230
Location: Coldwater Lake Boat Launch, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Distance: ~9 miles round-trip (to Coldwater Trail junction); longer if continuing on #230
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (Lakes Trail), with optional ~2,600+ ft on Coldwater Trail if continuing
Highest Elevation: 2,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate – Easy lakeshore hike with optional strenuous backcountry extension
Trail Type: Out-and-back; backcountry connector to Mount Margaret area
Open Season: Late spring through fall (snow-dependent; road access may be seasonal)
Family Friendly: Yes – especially the Lakes Trail portion, which is flat and scenic
Pets: Allowed on leash
Passes/Fees: $5/day or valid Northwest Forest Pass at trailhead
Coldwater Trail #230 begins at its junction with Lakes Trail #211 4.5 miles east of the Coldwater Boat Launch. It immediately crosses Coldwater Creek on a timber bridge. The trail then climbs a series of switchbacks out of Coldwater valley before its junction with South Coldwater Trail #230A at 2.6 miles. Heading east, the trail soon reaches Ridge Camp. A short side trail leads to the by-permit-only campsites. Continuing, you climb through a standing dead forest. Elk can often be seen and heard, especially during mating season in early fall. The trail ends after traversing the south face of Coldwater Peak, where it joins Boundary Trail #1 another 2.3 miles from South Coldwater Trail 230A junction.
The Silverlake area is a great place to spend a week or a weekend. We are located at the gateway to Mount St. Helens - about an hour's drive from Portland, Oregon and Olympia, Washington, and just just a few miles off of Interstate 5.
Lava Canyon is one of the most dramatic hikes on the south side of Mount St. Helens, where volcanic history, rushing water, and sheer rock walls come together in one unforgettable landscape. This striking canyon was shaped by lava flows and later scoured by the powerful forces unleashed during the 1980 eruption, leaving behind a rugged corridor of cliffs, waterfalls, and exposed canyon walls that feels both wild and otherworldly.
The experience begins at the Lava Canyon Interpretive Site, where the first section of trail offers an easy, paved, ADA-accessible walk into the canyon. This opening stretch is ideal for families, casual visitors, and anyone wanting a close-up look at the geology without committing to a strenuous hike. Along the way, interpretive signs help tell the story of how this landscape was formed, while viewpoints reveal the Muddy River cutting through basalt and ancient lava rock.
Beyond the paved section, Lava Canyon becomes more adventurous. The trail drops deeper into the canyon, with steeper grades, narrower tread, and dramatic views of waterfalls and churning water below. Under normal conditions, this area is known for its suspension bridge and thrilling canyon scenery, but the Forest Service currently notes that the suspension bridge is closed due to cable damage, so the old 1.4-mile upper loop is not possible right now. Visitors can still explore both sides of the river where open, but should expect to return the way they came rather than complete the full loop.
This is a trail that rewards respect and preparation. The Forest Service warns visitors to stay on the trail at all times, noting that going off trail is dangerous and that fatalities have occurred in the canyon area. Fast-moving water, steep drop-offs, and exposed sections make Lava Canyon a place to slow down, take in the views, and use caution every step of the way. Pets are allowed only on leash, and a Northwest Forest Pass, Digital Day Pass, or Interagency Pass is required for parking.
Whether you stop for the accessible interpretive walk or continue farther into the canyon for a more rugged experience, Lava Canyon offers one of the most visually powerful trail experiences in the Mount St. Helens region. It is a place where the mountain’s story is written into the stone, the water, and the shape of the land itself.
Trail details: Lava Canyon Trail #184, near Cougar, Washington. Trailhead coordinates: 46.1654, -122.0889.
Getting there: From I-5, take Exit 21 and head east on SR 503 toward Cougar. Continue through Cougar on Lewis River Road / Forest Road 90 past Swift Reservoir, then turn left onto Forest Road 83 and follow it to the Lava Canyon trailhead.
Call to action: Add Lava Canyon to your Mount St. Helens itinerary for a hike that combines volcanic geology, canyon drama, and some of the most memorable waterfall views on the mountain’s south side.
Current seasonal note: As of April 1, 2026, the Lava Canyon area is still under snow and Forest Road 83 is gated at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, so vehicle access to the trailhead remains closed for the season.
The Lelooska Foundation since its creation in 1977 has sponsored a variety of educational programs aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Native Peoples of North America. Students, parents, teachers and the general public have been able to learn through living history programs, workshops, classes and museum tours offered throughout the year.
Living History Programs
The living history programs were developed by Chief Lelooska with the advice of Chief James Aul Sewide and tribal elders to share the history and culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) people. The Lelooska Foundation has sponsored these programs since 1977.
Ariel, Washington 98603
Lewis & Clark Bowmen
Offering:
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Archery Lessons - Youth and Adult, Individual/Group
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Archery Shoots - Competitions
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Archery Range Situated in the Woods - 3-D Range
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(Range accessible to members only or during shoots)
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Hunting Preparation Shoots - Fall/Winter Archery
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Inexpensive Club Memberships
Located 30 minutes north of Portland, Oregon, and just a few minutes (5 miles)east of I-5 at exit 21 (Woodland, WA.), the Lewis River Golf Course is tucked between the North Fork of the beautiful Lewis River and the evergreen foothills of the Cascade mountains. The golf course environment contains numerous species of shrubs and trees, framing the beautiful Pacific Northwest valley and the scenic Cascade foothills. The tree-lined fairways require accuracy to score well, and the greens, with challenging contours, are some of the finest you'll putt on in the northwest. Also home to North Fork Bar & Grill.
Woodland, WA 98674
The Lewis River Inn is a Motel in Woodland, WA located at Exit 21 off of I-5. We are a top-rated and family-owned motel known for comfort and cleanliness. Riverfront rooms with balconies are available. Ideally located for Clark County, Cowlitz County, and a gateway to the Lewis River and Mt. St. Helens recreation area.
Conveniently located for easy freeway access, and to local attractions.
* Hulda Klager Lilac Garden
* Horseshoe Lake
* Cedar Creek Grist Mill
* Lewis River Golf Course
* Sunlight Supply Amphitheater – Ridgefield
* Westin Amphitheater – Kalama
* Festival of Lighted Boats – Kalama – 2nd weekend in December
Mount Saint Helens is a short drive away
* SR 503 side of Mt St Helens (Lewis River Road is SR 503)
* Lelooska Foundation
* Lava Canyon
* Ape Caves
* Trail of Two Forests
* June Lake
* Sno-Park Marble Mountain
* Climbers Bivouac Trailhead
* Windy Ridge