Outdoor Destinations
Abernathy Creek Park
At the intersection of Abernathy Creek Road and Hiway 4, Longview, WA 98632
Created by the confluence of two creeks as they flow towards the mighty Columbia River, this area has been closed off to vehicle traffic but remains a lovely and easy area to hike, explore, wade and swim! To access, park your vehicle in the gravel lot on Hiway 4 and from there you can access the park by walking to and through the gated access area.
Lake Sacajawea
Japanese Gardens and Park
3223 NE Nichols Blvd, Longview, WA 98632
(360) 442-5421
Lake Sacajawea is the pride and joy of Longview but the crown jewel of this community area is the Japanese Gardens. The Japanese Garden was the idea and design of former Longview Parks Superintendent Al George. After being inspired by the gardens he saw when he was stationed in Japan while in the Navy, George wanted to recreate the beauty back home. Wanting the garden to feel authentic, he studied Japanese garden design extensively and consulted extensively with Japanese gardeners.
A Self-Guided Goonies Tour
Astoria, WA
Phone N/A
Nothing stokes nostalgia for the 1980’s more than checking out the original Goonies filming locations in Oregon! Any Goonies fans planning a trip should make sure Astoria is on their list as it was here that the majority of the iconic Goonie movie scenes were filmed including at ‘The Goonies House’, Data’s house, the County Jail, Lower Columbia Bowl, Cannon Beach, and the Flavel House Museum.
Abernathy Fish Technology Center
1440 Abernathy Creek Road, Longview, WA 98632
(360) 425-6072
Abernathy FTC was built to mitigate the impacts of Bonneville Dam on Pacific salmon. Fishing is not allowed at the Abernathy Fish Technology Center. However, the center owns a 12-acre tract of land where fishing is allowed. Anglers may fish for Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, Steelhead trout, Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, and other cool water fish.
Mount St. Helens National Park
3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, WA 98611
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center opened its doors to the public a few years after the monumental eruption of Mount St. Helens. Functioning as a gateway to the mountain, over 30 miles away, the goal is to educate visitors on the historical significance of the landscape before and during the monumental eruption.
Long Beach WA
3914 Pacific Way, Seaview, WA 98644
Slow down, unplug, and enjoy all the Washington coast has to offer. The Long Beach Peninsula and Pacific County have an abundance of ultra-fresh seafood, endless beach, northwest rain forests, and unique places to stay. Close to both Portland and Seattle, it’s an easy escape and the perfect place to create traditions that last a lifetime.
Ape Caves
3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, WA 98611
Mount St. Helens Ape Cave Lava Tube is a popular attraction in the Mount St. Helens National Monument and the longest lava tube in the continental United States at over two miles in length. The full experience includes the easy exploration of a spacious lava tube, followed by more difficult travel through a smaller, longer, and more rugged lava tube to an exit.
Bob’s Sporting Goods
1111 Hudson St, Longview, WA 98632
In business since 1947, this 50,000 square-foot store stocks literally everything you’ll need to explore the outdoors. The employees are knowledgeable about the local area as well as the products which you’ll need to protect yourself from the elements, arm yourself for a hunt, or prepare and cook your catch.
Food And Drink
Mary’s Bar
4503 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, WA 98632
(360) 425-1637
Mary’s is the quintessential sports bar for the locals to stop by and catch up on neighborhood gossip over breakfast, or lunch, or my personal favorite: $5 pasta Thursdays!
Pancake House
1425 California Way, Longview, WA 98632
(360) 577-9966
Sit at the breakfast bar or wait for a table, either way, you’ll enjoy yourself at the most popular breakfast restaurant in town! The staff is the best in Longview and the atmosphere buzzes with laughter and family-style morning fun.
Mill City Grill & The Breakroom Bar
1260 Commerce Ave, Longview, WA 98632
(360) 703-3904
Located in historic Longview this busy lunch and dinner spot is big enough for large parties or family dining, but small enough to give you the personal touch. When he’s not checking in to make sure you loved your buffalo meatloaf as much as we did, you may find one of the owners bussing tables!
Storyboard Delights
1339 Commerce Ave Suite 103 · In The Merk
(360) 703-6255
Also located in historic Longview on Commerce Ave, these chocolatiers have the BEST backstory for how they stumbled on the idea for the store and how they ended up building it right here in our town. Wanna’ hear it? Just ask them! Wanna’ taste their creations? Stop by! They’re amazing!
Roland Wines
1106 Florida St, Longview, WA 98632
Roland’s may be the only wine tasting room in town but don’t let the lack of options dull your enthusiasm for a visit to this recently remodeled tasting room and outdoor lounge. The owners are local, the wine is divine, and their small plate menu is tasty, creative, and affordable.
Antidote Taphouse
1335 14th Ave, Longview, WA 98632
Longview has more than a few taphouses but IMHO this one’s by far the best and has been recently remodeled. Boasting a regularly-rotating list of craft brews from across the country and a host of locally made beers, Antidote takes pride in providing a casual environment which reflects the true character of SW Washington. Simple, beautiful, and unique; Antidote is a place for everyone.
The Gifted Kitchen
711 Vandercook Way Suite 102, Longview, WA
If your idea of a relaxing vacation includes NOT cooking, then this is the place for you! Imagine this: Freshly mad gourmet food, just grab and go! I personally appreciate their unique product selection, convenience, presentation, and affordable pricing as well as the ability to build my own variety-packed meals.
Backstage Italian Café
214 S Pacific Ave, Kelso, WA 98626
This is my only recommendation that is outside of Longview but the extra minutes’ worth of drive to the neighboring town is well worth it! Located behind the Kelso Theatre, this pub and café has the BEST Italian cuisine around Chef Devon’s talent and passion for fresh food cooking is evident in his menu selections. The atmosphere is casual and quaint. Perfetto!
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