Longview – Trails, Landmarks and Culture

Longview sits at the confluence of the Cowlitz River and the Columbia River. Exploring the city reveals a variety of attractions: trails around Lake Sacajawea and in the parks, historic landmarks, theaters and local market offerings.

Trails and Parks

Lake Sacajawea has 3.5 miles of trails used for walking, jogging and cycling. The lake is also home to the Solar System Walk and the Japanese Gardens. The Frank Willis Arboretum features 119 tree species along a loop of about 3.5 miles around the lake. A 3.6-mile gravel trail circles Lake Sacajawea Park.

The Altrusa Park Trail, also known as the Mt. Solo Trail, is 1.3 miles long and provides access to Altrusa Park. In the historic Old West Side neighborhood, the Vandercook Park Trail forms a 0.25-mile loop around Vandercook Park. This loop is shorter than the route at Altrusa Park. Both figures describe specific trail lengths without specifying a walking time.

A 2.5-mile gravel trail runs along the levee at Ditch Number 6 and is used for birdwatching, cycling and dog walking. In the Cloney Park area, a trail provides access to Cloney Skate Park and a BMX track. A 1.3-mile, fully paved, landscaped and illuminated trail provides access to Archie Anderson Park.

City History and Landmarks

The Longview Civic Center Historic District is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register. Within the district, a 0.3-mile gravel trail circles R.A. Long Park. The Nutty Narrows Bridge is a local landmark over Olympia Way, near Civic Center Circle. Local contractor Amos Peters built it in 1963.

A 50-foot-long Shay locomotive is on public display on the western lawn of the Longview library grounds. A pavilion protects it from the elements. A visit to the library grounds thus combines a publicly displayed piece of technology with a specific place in the cityscape.

Theater, Market and Getting There

The Columbia Theatre has a 2026–2027 Mainstage season on its program. The Stage Door Concert Series offers café-style seating on stage. The Fibre Family Series emphasizes a shared experience for children and adults. Theater programming may change; check current dates before your visit.

The Cowlitz Community Farmers Market offers produce, flowers, baked goods and hot food. The selection may vary by market day. If you have particular products in mind, take this changing selection into account when planning.

The nearby Kelso-Longview Amtrak Station connects travelers to Longview. If traveling by train, it is worth checking the schedule and connections in advance, as services and timetables may change.

Discover more destinations: Kelso, Kalama.

Return to the regional travel overview: Cowlitz.