Trail Description
Coweeman River Trail at Tam O’Shanter Park is an easy, scenic walk in Kelso that offers a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors without venturing far from town. This relaxed out-and-back trail follows the river through a quiet mix of trees, open green space, and gentle natural views, making it a great choice for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a simple outdoor escape. With easy terrain and access from one of Kelso’s best-loved community parks, it is a great stop for stretching your legs, enjoying fresh air, or adding a light adventure to your day near Mt. St. Helens. The AllTrails listing describes it as an easy out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with minimal elevation gain.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you are looking for a quick nature walk, an easy family outing, or a quiet place to slow down and enjoy the river, Coweeman River Trail is a great choice. Bring your walking shoes, pack a drink, and enjoy one of Kelso’s most approachable outdoor spots.
Directions to the Trailhead
The trail can be accessed from Tam O’Shanter Park in Kelso, Washington. The park is located just south of Kelso High School along the Coweeman River. For the easiest route, enter Tam O’Shanter Park, Kelso, WA into your preferred map app and park in the main lot near the trail access area.
Latitude / Longitude
46.1339, -122.9054
Trail Description
Cowlitz River Trail is an easy, mostly flat riverside route in Kelso that offers a simple way to enjoy fresh air, open views, and a relaxed walk along the water. This out-and-back trail is about 4.9 miles with very little elevation gain, making it a great option for walkers, runners, casual bike rides, and families looking for an accessible outing. With a mix of gravel and paved asphalt, the trail is approachable for a wide range of visitors and provides a peaceful way to experience the river at your own pace. Open year-round, it is a great place to enjoy a longer walk while taking in a different side of Kelso.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for an easygoing trail near Mt. St. Helens, Cowlitz River Trail is a great pick. It is an inviting place to enjoy the river, get in a steady walk, and spend time outdoors at your own pace.
Directions to the Trailhead
A common access point is from the north end near Cowlitz Gardens Road in Kelso, Washington. For the easiest route, enter Cowlitz Gardens Road, Kelso, WA into your preferred map app and look for access near the north end of the trail.
Latitude / Longitude
The safest trailhead is the north-end access off Cowlitz Garden Lane / Cowlitz Gardens Road in Kelso.
Trail Description
Kelso Dikes via Coweeman River Trail is an easy, longer riverside walk that gives visitors a different view of Kelso’s outdoor landscape. This out-and-back route stretches about 7.8 miles with only around 85 feet of elevation gain, making it a great option for walkers who want a flatter trail with plenty of room to settle into the scenery. The route follows the Coweeman River along the dike system, passing quieter stretches of water, open views, and a mix of natural and developed surroundings. AllTrails describes it as an easy trail that is popular for walking and is generally less crowded, with best-use seasons noted from December through April.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for a longer, low-key walk near Mt. St. Helens, this trail is a great way to enjoy the river, stretch your legs, and experience a different side of Kelso. It is an easy choice for a solo walk, a casual outing, or a peaceful addition to your Southwest Washington adventure.
Directions to the Trailhead
For the northern trailhead, head to Kelso via Interstate 5 and take the Allen Street exit. From there, drive east about one mile on Allen Street to reach the Coweeman River trailhead, where parking is available. Washington Trails Association identifies this Allen Street access point as the main trailhead for the route.
Latitude / Longitude
46.1447, -122.8793
Trail Description
Riverside Park Loop is an easy, scenic walk in Kelso that offers a relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors along the Cowlitz River. Set within Riverside Park, this route features a mix of paved and unpaved paths, open green space, shady trees, and river views that make it a great fit for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a simple outdoor stop near Mt. St. Helens. The park itself spans 58 acres and includes a wide variety of recreation areas, giving visitors plenty of space to walk, unwind, and enjoy the setting.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for an easy walk with river views and plenty of room to roam, Riverside Park Loop is a great choice. It is a simple way to slow down, enjoy the fresh air, and add another easy outdoor stop to your Southwest Washington adventure.
Directions to the Trailhead
The trail is accessed from Riverside Park in Kelso, Washington. The park is located at 1820 Westside Highway, Kelso, WA 98626, with easy access from Interstate 5. For the easiest route, enter Riverside Park, Kelso, WA or 1820 Westside Hwy, Kelso, WA 98626 into your preferred map app and park near the main entrance.
Latitude / Longitude
I could confirm the park’s street address from public sources, but I could not verify a precise official trailhead coordinate from a reliable source. The best mapping reference for this one is Riverside Park, 1820 Westside Hwy, Kelso, WA 98626.