River trails, parks, nature around Mount St. Helens and regional history offer different starting points for planning a trip to Cowlitz. The Cowlitz County Parks and Recreation Department includes ten parks and recreation facilities. These include Riverside Park, Harry Gardner Park and Campground, the Cook Ferry Trail System, Coweeman River Park and the Coal Creek Boat Launch. The amenities vary, ranging from walking paths and sports fields to camping and trails along rivers, as well as places with historical significance.
Parks and Waterfront Trails
At Riverside Park, an extensive network of paved walking paths provides access to the levee along the Cowlitz River and views across the park. The park also has soccer, baseball, tennis and basketball courts. Walking and various sports each have their own place among the park's offerings.
Harry Gardner Park has eleven RV sites and eleven tent sites. Other amenities include hiking trails and playground equipment. The park also offers easy access to the South Toutle River for fishing and swimming. It is an option to consider when planning a trip that includes camping and activities on the river.
The Cook Ferry Trail System has a 2.5-mile trail for pedestrians and horseback riders along the Cowlitz River. Fishing opportunities are also available along the river. Marine Park, on the Columbia River, is a five-acre day-use park with trails for walking and cycling. The trail options therefore vary in length and use, from a walk in the park to a longer trail also intended for horseback riders.
The Coal Creek Boat Launch provides access to Coal Creek Slough. At Coweeman River Park, public access to the Coweeman River is still being developed. Two trails lead to the river; they are primitive and unstable. Take this into account when planning a visit.
Cowlitz County borders Interstate 5, which makes it easier to reach various activities in the county. This is a regional point of reference for trip planning; you can choose specific destinations based on your interests.
Nature and Scenery
Seaquest State Park is a 475-acre campground in fir forests below Mount St. Helens and is open year-round. The Loowit Trail circles Mount St. Helens for about 30 miles through volcanic and forest landscapes. Access and conditions vary by season; check them before planning a hike.
Another geological feature is Ape Cave: the lava tube is 2.5 miles long and is considered the third longest in North America. At Silver Lake, a 0.6-mile trail with boardwalks crosses a wetland. You can observe a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl there. It is recommended that you check current visitor conditions before visiting this trail.
The Fisher Island Wildlife Area Unit is in the Columbia River in Cowlitz County and can only be reached by boat. Columbian White-tailed Deer live on the island.
History and Interpretation
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center features science exhibits, a theater and educational programs. It also serves as a gateway to the U.S. Forest Service's National Volcanic Monument. A visit thus combines science education with access to the monument.
The Transportation Interpretive Center tells how transportation shaped the settlement and development of Kalama. A 1917 Northern Pacific steam locomotive is also on display there. At Finn Hall, an interpretive sign commemorates the building that originally stood at this site.
Catlin Cemetery offers another glimpse into the region's past: many of the area's earliest settlers and founders are buried there. The cemetery's pedestrian gate is open at all times. Unlike an exhibit, the cemetery conveys history through the people buried there.
Choose a hotel to suit your trip
When looking for hotels in Cowlitz, first choose the destinations and themes that matter for your stay: park and river trails, nature activities or historic sites. Then compare a property's location with your own travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Kelso, Longview, Kalama, Skamania, Douglas County, Pierce, King, Thurston County.
For the overview of the wider region: Washington.
