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| History Cowlitz County is home to approximately 94,000 residents. Roughly 56% of those live in the incorporated cities of Castle Rock, Kelso, Longview, Kalama, and Woodland. The remaining 44% live in rural, unincorporated communities such as Ryderwood, Toutle, Yale, Silver Lake, Lexington, Ariel and Cougar. The county covers 1,144 square miles within the southwestern region of Washington. Once known as the “Timber Capital of the World,” Cowlitz County is home to Douglas fir, hemlock and western cedar trees which cover much of its rugged terrain. Cowlitz County still produces a large supply of logs and finished lumber for domestic and international markets, but has become more diversified. Adjacent transportation corridors including Interstate 5, the Columbia River and a major rail line have allowed Cowlitz County to access major markets throughout the world. Recently, Cowlitz County has become known for its tourist attractions and tourism has become a growing industry. The May 18, 1980 eruption of nearby Mount St. Helens forever changed the landscape and the role tourism plays as an industry in Cowlitz County. |
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What You’ll See Cowlitz County’s attractions are unique and varied. Mount St. Helens is the center of attention for most visitors. It is truly a world-class natural attraction. Instructive visitor centers dot SR-504 (Spirit Lake Memorial Highway), which lead into the blast zone. Activities and attractions along SR-504 include |
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| wildlife-viewing, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, guided tours along the monument boundary, helicopter tours, dining, winter recreation and camping.
SR-503 (Lewis River Road) follows the Lewis River Valley toward the south side of Mount St. Helens. Here mature forests, dense foliage, beautiful lakes and lush landscapes contrast the scars of the 20 year-old eruption that are evident along SR-504. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, guided tours, mountain biking, fishing, water recreation, sightseeing, spelunking and mountain climbing are a few of the activities visitors can experience. |
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| Planning
Your Trip Cowlitz County’s terrain varies. Pack appropriate clothes for the time of year you plan to visit and the activities you wish to experience. Winters are moderate, but at higher elevations weather can become very cold and unpredictable. Check with the Forest Service and State Department of Transportation for road conditions and availability of services. The |
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Cowlitz County Department of Tourism may also be contacted
for information. Telephone numbers are listed on Page 31 “Regional
Information.” Fees are charged for entering the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Forest Service Visitor Centers, parking at trailheads and Sno-Park areas. Permits are required for climbing the mountain and other activities. Check with the Forest Service regarding fees and permits required. The areas you wish to see and activities you want to experience are varied. Make certain to allow adequate time to enjoy them. It is suggested that visitors allow at least one hour to tour each visitor center and three hours to travel SR-504 and SR-503 from their respective Interstate 5 junctions. Activities along the way will take additional time. It is recommended that visitors plan to stay in a nearby community for a few days and travel from there to locations and attractions throughout Cowlitz County. Plan ahead, travel safely! Thanks For Visiting Cowlitz County! |
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| Contents Page | Toutle
Valley | Lewis Valley | Castle
Rock | Kelso | Longview
| Kalama | Woodland | Copyright © 2000.
Cowlitz County. All Rights Reserved. Website designed and maintained by LadyTek Designs Suggestions or Comments? email us |
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