10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Longview, Washington
If you live in
Longview, Washington (Cowlitz County) and feel like you’ve done all the local things, it might be time to hop in the car and head a little farther. The good news? Within about an hour or so, you’ve got forests, waterfalls, small towns, and river views waiting for you in nearby counties.
Below are
10 short road trips from Longview that stay out of Cowlitz County and take you into:
- Columbia County, Oregon
- Clark County, Washington
- Lewis County, Washington
- Skamania County, Washington
- Wahkiakum County, Washington
Each one is close enough for a simple day trip, but fun enough to feel like a mini-vacation.
1. Waterfront Strolls and River Views in St. Helens, Oregon (Columbia County)
Just across the Columbia River and down Highway 30,
St. Helens makes a relaxed, easy road trip from Longview.
Walk along the historic
St. Helens Riverfront District and you’ll find:
- Old brick buildings and small shops
- Views of the Columbia River and passing ships
- Riverside parks with room for kids to run
If you’re a movie fan, parts of
Halloweentown and
Twilight were filmed here, and the town sometimes leans into that with themed events in the fall.
I once stopped here “just for lunch” on a drive and ended up staying most of the afternoon, wandering in and out of little stores and watching barges move downriver. It’s that kind of slow, easy place.
Why go from Longview?
You get a
totally different small-town vibe just about 45–60 minutes away, plus great Columbia River views.
2. Forest Trails and Quiet at Scappoose & Sauvie Island Access (Columbia County)
Continue a bit farther down Highway 30 and you hit the
Scappoose area. It’s a handy jumping-off point for nature time.
Popular things to do:
- Walk forested trails in the nearby hills
- Hit local cafés for coffee and pastries
- Use it as a starting point to explore Sauvie Island (just a bit farther south in Multnomah County)
Sauvie Island itself isn’t in Columbia County, but many folks from Longview drive through Scappoose to reach:
- U-pick farms and fields of pumpkins in the fall
- Beaches along the Columbia River
- Bird-watching spots with hundreds of migrating birds
Road trip tip: Head out early on a weekend. Stop in Scappoose for breakfast, then keep going toward Sauvie Island if you’re in the mood for farms and fields.
3. Family-Friendly Fun in Vancouver, Washington (Clark County)
When you want more city-style attractions—but still close to home—
Vancouver, Washington is a great pick.
Popular spots and activities:
- Waterfront Park – Wide paths along the river, restaurants, and views of Portland across the water.
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – Learn about early Pacific Northwest history and walk through reconstructed buildings.
- Downtown Vancouver – Coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, and local boutiques.
If you’re traveling with kids, the open grassy spaces near the waterfront and the historic fort are perfect for letting them burn off energy.
Why it works for Longview locals:
Vancouver feels bigger and busier than Longview, but it’s still laid-back and much easier to manage than a full day in Portland traffic.
4. Hiking and Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge (Skamania County)
Want classic Pacific Northwest scenery?
Skamania County, especially the
Columbia River Gorge area on the Washington side, delivers.
From Longview, head east toward:
- Beacon Rock State Park – A short but steep trail up a giant rock with sweeping views of the Gorge. Around 1.8 miles round trip, but it feels dramatic.
- Nearby waterfalls and trails along Highway 14
- Roadside viewpoints where you can pull over and just soak in the scenery
The Gorge is one of those places where you can do a serious hike or just park, take a quick stroll, and enjoy the views. I’ve done both on different days, depending on energy levels.
Road trip note: Check weather and trail conditions before you go—wind and rain can be intense, especially in fall and winter.
5. Stevenson: Small-Town Charm on the Columbia (Skamania County)
Also in Skamania County,
Stevenson is a cozy little town right on the Columbia River—and it makes a fun, easy-going day trip.
Things to do in Stevenson:
- Walk the waterfront trails and watch windsurfers and kiteboarders
- Browse local shops, art, and outdoor gear stores
- Relax at a café or brewery with river views
Stevenson feels like a base camp for outdoor adventure, but you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker or climber to enjoy it. Even just sitting by the water with a sandwich feels good.
Why visit from Longview?
You get that “mountain town meets river town” feel without needing an overnight stay.
6. Castle Rock’s Gateway Trails in Lewis County
Drive north and a bit east and you can dip into
Lewis County for access to trails and mountain scenery around the
Mount St. Helens region (note: the volcano itself spans multiple counties, but you can reach trailheads from the Lewis County side).
Popular options in Lewis County’s outskirts:
- Trailheads toward Mount St. Helens’ east side – Longer drives, but incredible volcanic landscapes.
- Forest roads with quiet picnic spots
While some visitors rush straight to the volcano, taking time to enjoy the forested parts of Lewis County along the way can turn the drive into a more relaxed road trip.
Road trip tip: Pack snacks, water, and maybe a small cooler. Services can get sparse once you leave the interstate.
7. Chehalis & Centralia Antique and Vintage Hunt (Lewis County)
If you’re up for a slightly longer day but still an easy drive, head toward
Chehalis and
Centralia in Lewis County.
These two towns are known for:
- Antique shops and vintage stores
- Historic downtown streets with old brick buildings
- Restaurants and diners perfect for a casual lunch
If you love poking around for old records, furniture, or odd little collectibles, this is a fun way to spend a day. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s entertaining to wander and look.
Why it’s worth the drive from Longview:
You get a full “old downtown” experience that’s different from what you see every day, plus plenty of chances to stretch your legs and explore.
8. Kayaking and Fishing in Wahkiakum County’s Backwaters
Just west of Longview, but in a different county, you’ll find the quieter corners of
Wahkiakum County, with lots of water access and peaceful scenery.
Some ideas:
- Bring a kayak or canoe and paddle along sloughs and side channels of the Columbia River
- Find boat launches and fishing spots away from the crowds
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the stillness and bird life
This is the kind of trip where you might not “do” a lot—but that’s the point. It’s about slowing down and listening to the water and the wind.
Good for: People who want a quiet day outdoors, couples looking for a low-key outing, or anyone who needs a break from screens and schedules.
9. River Views and Country Roads Toward Cathlamet (Wahkiakum County)
Another Wahkiakum County trip is following the
Columbia River west toward Cathlamet. Even if you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the drive itself is part of the adventure.
What you’ll find:
- Scenic pullouts with river views
- Winding country roads and small communities
- Spots to stop for photos, short walks, and fresh air
If you time it right, a late afternoon drive can end with soft sunset light on the water—perfect for photos or just sitting quietly and watching the sky change.
Road trip idea: Pick a few “must-stop” viewpoints on the way out, and then take your time coming back to Longview, stopping wherever looks interesting.
10. Clark County Backroads: Orchards, Farms, and Fields
Beyond Vancouver, much of
Clark County is made up of rolling farmland, small communities, and forest patches. This is ideal for a relaxed, “let’s-see-where-this-road-goes” kind of day.
Things to look for:
- Seasonal farm stands selling berries, flowers, or veggies
- Country roads lined with trees and open fields
- Small parks and trailheads where you can stretch your legs
One of my favorite types of day trips is this kind: no strict schedule, just a tank of gas, good music, and a rough idea of direction. Clark County is great for that kind of simple, low-stress exploring.
Tip: Use a paper map or download offline maps, since cell coverage can be spotty in certain rural pockets.
Planning Your Road Trips From Longview
To make these
Longview road trips easy and fun:
- Keep it flexible: Pick one or two main stops, then allow time for spontaneous side trips.
- Check conditions: Look up weather, road closures, and park info—especially for Gorge and mountain areas.
- Pack the basics: Water, snacks, layers, and a phone charger go a long way.
- Think seasons: Some trips shine in summer (kayaking, farms), others are great year-round (Vancouver, antique hunting).
From river towns in
Columbia County, Oregon to waterfall hikes in
Skamania County and quiet backroads in
Wahkiakum County, you’ve got plenty of choices just a short drive from Longview—all without repeating the same old spots in Cowlitz County.
Share Your Favorite Longview Day Trips
Do you have a go-to
road trip from Longview that isn’t on this list?
Maybe a hidden viewpoint, a small-town café, or a trail your family loves?
I’d love to hear about it.
Drop your ideas, questions, or favorite routes in the comments, and feel free to
share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” You might just inspire their next out-of-county adventure.
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