Open each year from Mid July to August
Castle Rock, WA 98611
The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, located near Mt St Helens, is a hub for education and research focused on volcanic activity and ecological recovery. Established in collaboration with the US Forest Service and the Mt St Helens Institute (MSHI), the center sits within view of the volcano's dramatic crater, offering a unique vantage point for studying the aftermath of the 1980 eruption.
Originally built as the Coldwater Ridge Visitor center, it was repurposed into the Science and Learning Center to support filed based learning and scientific inquiry. It hosts school programs, workshops and research initiatives, serving students, educators, and scientists alike. The center provides hands-on opportunities to explore geology, ecology and resilience of nature systems in one of the most studied volcanic landscapes in the world.
Fall/Winter Hours
Now open Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Winter Hours: 2026 Schedule Hours: 10 am to 4 pm - Saturday & Sundays
- Open Saturday May 18th for the 46th Anniversary Weekend
- 2026 Summer Hours: Open on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) 10 am to 4 pm until June 14th
- From June 15 through Labor Day, the visitor center will be open 7 days a week 10 am to 4 pm.
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 43
Longview, WA is famous for its delightful squirrel bridges—ingenious little wildlife crossings crafted to help squirrels avoid busy streets. Here’s a full tour of all the known bridges:
1. Nutty Narrows Bridge
- Location: Olympia Way, between 18th Ave & Maple St (near R.A. Long Park).
- Details: The original 1963 squirrel crossing—60 ft long, built from recycled fire hose and aluminum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Why It’s Awesome: This catenary-style miniature suspension bridge was the first in the U.S. and remains Longview’s iconic landmark.
2. Bruce Kamp Squirrel Bridge
- Location: 1300 block of West Kessler Boulevard.
- Details: A covered‑bridge style structure installed in 2011 as a memorial. Made of copper with a webcam
- Tour Tip: Walk or drive West along Kessler Blvd to find it—look for the webcam!
3. John R. Dick Bridge
- Location: Nichols Boulevard, near Kentucky Blvd (by RA Long High School).
- Details: Unveiled ~2012, modeled after Boston’s Zakim Bridge—a cable‑stayed version
4. OBEC Bridge
- Location: Louisiana St at ~23rd Ave.
- Details: Installed circa 2013–14; a covered‑bridge aesthetic with redwood frame and metal roof. Designed by OBEC Engineering
5. Safety Awareness Bridge
- Location: 1700 block of Kessler Boulevard.
- Details: A 2015 truss‑style structure built by local high‑school robotics teams, featuring colored glass panels (walkers, cyclists) to promote safety
6. R.D. Olson MFG. Bridge
- Location: On Kessler Boulevard across from Lion’s Island.
- Details: Designed to resemble the big Lewis‑Clark Bridge across the Columbia. Built by R.D. Olson MFG from Kelso
7. Fremont‑Style (S & R) Bridge
- Location: Kessler Blvd at the end of Lake Sacajawea.
- Details: An aluminum replica of Portland’s Fremont Bridge—about 20 ft long, tied‑arch design
8. PUD Squirrel Bridge
- Location: (Often referred simply as the “PUD Bridge”) Precise location on Kessler Blvd; built by the public utility district .
9. Waco Japan Sister City Bridge
- Location: Also on Kessler Boulevard, celebrating Longview’s partnership with Waco, Japan mylongview.com.
🗺️ Suggested Tour Route
- Start at Nutty Narrows near R.A. Long Park.
- Drive west on Kessler Blvd:
- Stop at Bruce Kamp,
- Continue to Safety Awareness,
- Visit R.D. Olson near Lion’s Island.
- Swing south to Nichols Blvd for the John R. Dick Bridge.
- Head to Louisiana St & 23rd Ave to see the OBEC Bridge.
- Finish at Fremont‑Style, PUD, and Sister City Bridges by Lake Sacajawea end of Kessler Blvd.
- Time your visit for August, when Squirrel Fest celebrates these quirky landmarks on a guided tour.
🎯 Fun & Useful Info
- Bridges are maintained by volunteer group Sandbaggers, who also host Squirrel Fest
- The bridges aren’t just cute—they help reduce squirrel road fatalities and make for great photo ops!
- You can stream live via webcam on the Bruce Kamp bridge at lvsquirrelfest.com.
This self-guided tour should take about 1–2 hours by car or bike, plus plenty of opportunities for squirrel-watching and exploring Lake Sacajawea Park. Enjoy your nutty adventure!
There are also a Squirrel Bridge Tour each year during the Squirrel Festival on the 3rd Saturday of August.
Streeters Resort is a family-friendly RV park, campground, and lakeside resort located at 120 Lake Rd in Silverlake, WA. It’s known for its scenic lakefront setting on Silver Lake, relaxed atmosphere, and wide range of outdoor activities that appeal to campers, anglers, and nature lovers alike.
Accommodations
- The resort offers RV sites, tent camping spots, and cozy cabins — great for everything from casual camping to “glamping.”
- Many sites are right on the lake with picturesque views and easy access to water activities.
Activities & Amenities
- Lake activities include fishing from three docks (with species like bass, trout, bluegill, catfish, carp, and crappie), kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating — equipment available for rent on site.
- An on-site store carries essentials, snacks, beverages, supplies, and popular hand-scooped ice cream.
- Additional conveniences include laundry facilities and picnic/fire pit areas.
Silverlake, WA 98645
Your go-to spot for treats! Find Street Treats across from Horseshoe Lake Park in Woodland, WA. We've got all your snack stand favorites: soft serve (with Flavor Burst!), hot dogs, popcorn, slushies, and more. Open Spring and Summer.
Woodland, WA 98674
Conveniently located off I-5 in Castle Rock, Subway offers fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and salads in a clean and friendly environment. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or a meal on the go, enjoy healthier options with your choice of fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations. Fast service and consistent quality make this Subway a local go-to for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Castle Rock, WA 98611
Subway
Longview, WA 98632
Subway
Woodland, WA 98674
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast food restaurants based out of Irvine, California, founded in 1962 by Glen Bell. Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. The restaurants serve a variety of Mexican inspired foods that include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, novelty and specialty items, and a variety of "value menu" items. As of 2018, Taco Bell serves more than 2 billion customers each year at 7,072 restaurants, more than 93 percent of which are owned and operated by independent franchisees and licensees.
Woodland, WA 98674
Woodland, WA 98674
Castle Rock, WA 98611