Cabins (8)
Dining (151)
EV Charging Stations (10)
Lodging (46)
Things To Do (216)
Toutle (2)
Backstage Cafe - Theater Pub
Kelso, WA 98626
ALERT: BEAVER BAY PARK and CAMPGROUND to REMAIN CLOSED for 2025 SEASON
More Information
- 63 individual camping sites
- Day use picnic area
- Swimming beach please note: for the safety of all swimmers, no personal floatation devices (including but not limited to: kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable watercraft, etc.) or use of oars or paddles are allowed within the swimming area
- Single-lane boat ramp
- Group camping facility has 15 campsites and a covered picnic shelter with a fireplace and sink.
- Restrooms, showers and water provided
- Recreational vehicle dump station, but no RV hook-ups at campsites
Cougar, WA 98616
A friendly staff, premium amenities and quality service greet you as you enter this hotel, but the comfortable and well-appointed rooms will keep you coming back again and again. Each accommodation at this Woodland, Washington hotel includes all the comforts and convenience of home, including internet access and TVs with cable. Whirlpool tub suites, mini-suites and ADA rooms are also available upon request.
Other amenities at this Best Western Woodland Inn include a complimentary hot full breakfast each morning, an indoor pool, hot tub, on-site fitness center and guest laundry.
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 Area
* 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
Make your next Woodland, Washington hotel stay the best yet, book a stay at the Best Western Woodland Inn today.
Best Western Aladdin Inn is located on the border of Kelso/Longview and is minutes away from everything.
Inside this 100% non-smoking hotel in Kelso, guests will find relaxing accommodations to unwind in while visiting the area or passing through en-route to Washington's beaches. Pets are welcome, but please call about restrictions. Each guest room and kitchenette comes complete with flat screen TV's, cable television, and high-speed internet access. This Mount St. Helens Best Western also provides a complimentary full breakfast each morning, an indoor heated swimming pool and on-site guest laundry.
Mountain Biking
Don’t pass up the chance to turn a crank on the shoulder of an active volcano! The Ape Canyon ride, which begins on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is one of the Northwest’s premier mountain biking treks, with varied landscapes and incredible vistas. World-class single-track also awaits at Siouxon Creek, Lewis River, South Coldwater, and Old Man Pass/Falls Creek.
Tour de Blast - Road Biking
Tour de Blast is the essential event for road bikers, attracting crowds in excess of 1,000 each year. The 82-mile route from Toutle to Science & Learning Center takes riders into the very heart of the blast zone. Saturday June 20, 2026.
UPDATE: Tour de Blast will be ending at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater this year. Due to the landslide prior to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
STP Bicycle Classic
This 200-mile bicycle ride is the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, with up to 10,000 participants riding from Seattle to Portland in one or two days. The route takes you through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon. Saturday July 12th at 5:00 am to Sunday July 13th by 7:00 pm. 🚴♂️ STP Classic is happening this weekend! Riders will be passing through our area—come out, cheer them on, and enjoy the energy of this incredible event! 🚴♀️Safe travels to all participants and volunteers—see you on the route!
Castle Rock Bike Skills Park
Nestled in the heart of Castle Rock, WA, the Bike Skills Park is a must-visit destination for riders of all ages and skill levels. Designed with both fun and progression in mind, this park features a variety of trails, pump tracks, jumps, and technical features that help riders build confidence and sharpen their mountain biking skills.
Whether you’re just learning to ride or looking to push your limits, the park offers a safe and scenic environment to practice and play. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, it’s a perfect stop for families, youth groups, or anyone who loves to ride.
The park is free and open to the public, and conveniently located near trails, rest areas, and downtown Castle Rock amenities. Helmets are required—and smiles are guaranteed.
Trail Overview
Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail is a short, scenic walk at Coldwater Lake that gives visitors an easy way to experience one of the most dramatic landscape changes caused by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. This accessible boardwalk trail follows the lakeshore and uses interpretive displays to explain how the eruption’s debris avalanche dammed Coldwater Creek and created an entirely new lake.
Trail Stats
The trail is about 1.2 miles round trip with little to no elevation gain, and it is considered easy. The trailhead coordinates are approximately 46.2921, -122.2663.
What to Expect
Expect a smooth, family-friendly walk with lake views, wetlands, interpretive signs, and a close look at how nature has recovered in the blast zone. The route is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, making it one of the best quick stops for visitors who want scenery and a bit of Mount St. Helens history without a strenuous hike.
Directions to the Trailhead
From Castle Rock, drive east on State Route 504 / Spirit Lake Highway for about 45 miles to the Coldwater Lake Recreation Area. The trail begins from the picnic area at the south end of Coldwater Lake.
Know Before You Go
There is no trail fee listed for the Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail area. Current official conditions note that Upper SR 504 remains closed beyond milepost 45.2, but Coldwater Lake Recreation Area remains accessible. The Forest Service also notes that, as of January 27, 2026, restrooms are open on the boat launch side, while the picnic-side restrooms remain closed for repairs.
Call to Action
If you want an easy, educational stop near Toutle with beautiful lake views and a direct connection to the story of Mount St. Helens, Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail is a great addition to your visit.
A Window into Volcanic Renewal
Location: Coldwater Lake Picnic & Boating Area, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
Distance: Approx. 0.5 – 1.2 miles round-trip (depending on route)
Elevation Gain: 50 feet total
Highest Elevation: 3,900 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back and short loops (boardwalk/paved)
Difficulty: Very Easy – ideal for all ages and ability levels
Open Season: Year-round (weather and road conditions permitting)
Family-Friendly: Absolutely – stroller-friendly, safe for young kids
ADA Accessible: Yes – boardwalk and paved sections
Pets: Not allowed
Pass Required: $5 per vehicle or valid Recreation Pass
Trail Overview
This charming boardwalk trail runs along the shores of Coldwater Lake—the direct result of Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption, which dammed Coldwater Creek and carved out the lake in its path. Interpretive displays along the route vividly recount that transformation, guiding hikers through both geologic history and ecological resurgence.
Along the path, you might spot intriguing features like beaver-chewed trees, small trout splashing on the water's surface, and marshy wildlife activity to observe and enjoy.
A floating deck or footbridge offers serene lake views—especially magical on calm, sunny days when the surrounding hills reflect perfectly in the water.
Visitor Info & Amenities
Located right by the Coldwater Lake Recreation Area, the trailhead offers:
- ADA-accessible boardwalk
- Picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, and parking
- Boat launch and accommodations for non-motorized boating and light recreation near the lake
- No pets off-leash, no fishing or swimming allowed along the trail; all rules are in place to preserve this sensitive area
There’s no entry fee required specifically for the trail, though day-use fees may apply for the broader area (e.g., $5/vehicle or valid Recreation Pass)
Why You’ll Love It
- Educational & Immersive: Learn firsthand how Mount St. Helens shaped the landscape—and how life rebounded.
- Accessible to All: Easy, paved paths and gentle terrain mean nearly anyone can enjoy this trail.
- Short & Rewarding: A quick yet deeply satisfying hike—perfect for families, short stops, or combining with other nearby trails like the Lakes Trail.
Ideal for a quick picnic, family adventure, or a peaceful reflective stroll, the Birth of a Lake Trail tells a powerful story of destruction, transformation, and resilience. Want a shorter tagline or a version tailored for prints or brochure use? Just say the word!
Longitude: -122.266096
Directions
From Castle Rock, drive State Route 504 east 43 miles. Stay right where State Route 504 forks towards the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Continue for 1 mile, turn left at Coldwater Lake.
Bob's Sporting Goods
Offering:
-
Full-time Pro Shop employees
-
Archery Lessons, Seminars
-
Archery League
-
11-lane air-conditioned range
-
Full-service repair shop
-
Offering Hoyt, Mathews, Mission Bows
-
Parts and Accessories
Tel: 360.425.3870
Longview, WA
Boundary Trail #1 to Norway Pass (SR 504 Side)
- Location: Near Coldwater Lake, off SR 504, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
- Distance: 7 miles one-way (about 14 miles round trip).
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – steady uphill climb with some rocky sections.
- Elevation Gain: Around 2,500 feet to 4,200 feet at Norway Pass.
- Best Season: Late spring to fall (May to October), avoid winter and early spring due to snow.
Trail Highlights:
- Views: Great views of Mount St. Helens, Spirit Lake, and the blast zone.
- Wildlife: Look for elk, deer, and bears.
- Trail Type: Point-to-point (out-and-back).
- Family-Friendly: Not ideal for young kids; better for experienced hikers.
Things to Know:
Shuttle: If doing a one-way hike, consider arranging a shuttle.
Trail Access: Start at Coldwater Ridge or Coldwater Lake.
Water: Bring plenty of water, there are no reliable water sources along the trail.
Weather: Weather can change quickly; bring layers.
For more than two decades, the Broadway Gallery has been a staple in the local art scene. A collaborative effort by 50 area artists,
the Broadway Gallery hosts ongoing classes and special events.
Longview, WA 98632
Brookhollow RV Park is located one mile (1.6 km) east off Interstate 5 in Kelso, Washington, a small town about 125 miles (200 km) south of Seattle, Washington, and 50 miles (80 km) north of Portland, Oregon. The park is in a scenic valley setting with a country feel along the Coweeman River on the east side of the city of Kelso. Within easy reach are shopping and tourist activities, including visitor centers and other tourist centers around Mt. St. Helens.
There's a BURGER KING® restaurant near you at 1209 Mount Saint Helens Way. Visit us or call for more information. Every day, more than 11 million guests visit over 13,000 BURGER KING® restaurants near them in 97 countries around the world. And they do so because our fast food restaurants are known for serving high-quality, great-tasting and affordable food. The BURGER KING® restaurant in Castle Rock, WA serves burgers, breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared your way. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER®, our commitment to quality ingredients, signature recipes, iconic sandwiches like the flame-grilled WHOPPER® Sandwich and fast, family-friendly dining experiences in a welcoming environment is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.
Castle Rock, WA 98611
There's a BURGER KING® restaurant near you at 1021 Allen Street. Visit us or call for more information. Every day, more than 11 million guests visit over 13,000 BURGER KING® restaurants near them in 97 countries around the world. And they do so because our fast food restaurants are known for serving high-quality, great-tasting and affordable food. The BURGER KING® restaurant in Kelso, WA serves burgers, breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared your way. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER®, our commitment to quality ingredients, signature recipes, iconic sandwiches like the flame-grilled WHOPPER® Sandwich and fast, family-friendly dining experiences in a welcoming environment is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.
Kelso, WA 98626