Visitor’s Guide

 
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Outdoor Destinations

White Tail Deer National Wildlife Refuge


46 Steamboat Slough Rd, Cathlamet, WA 98612

Located in southwestern Washington just off Hiway 4, the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge was established specifically to protect and manage the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer. The refuge contains over 5,600 acres of pastures, forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlots, marshes, and sloughs along the Columbia River. The valuable habitat the refuge preserves for the deer also benefits a large variety of wintering birds, a small herd of Roosevelt elk, river otter, various reptiles and amphibians including painted turtles and red-legged frogs, and several pairs of nesting bald eagles and osprey. Today, about 300 Columbina white-tailed deer live on the refuge.

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

370 38th St, Astoria, OR 97103

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

(360) 274-0962

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

(360) 642-2400

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

(360) 274-0962

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

(360) 425-3870

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

Fei’s Carriage Restaurant and Bar

3353 Washington Way, Longview, WA 98632

(360) 423-8680

Fei’s is the quintessential bar and restaurant for the locals to stop by and catch up on neighborhood gossip over breakfast, or lunch, or dinner. With genorous portions of fresh and home-cooked All American and Chinese cuisine, you’ll no-doubt find your favorites on their menu!

(My advice: Order 1 entree’ and split it!)

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 and Bakery

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 chocolate or fresh baked creations? Stop by! They’re amazing!

Roland Wines

1106 Florida St, Longview, WA 98632

(360) 846-7304

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

(360) 232-8283

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

(360) 261-7697

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.

Corner Café

796 Commerce Age, Longview, WA 98632

(360) 353-5420

If you’re traveling with your furry family then run, do not walk, to this off-the-beaten path cafe. If you haven’t ever had coconot encrusted french toast for breakfast you have not lived! The staff here do not disappoint with great attitudes and fast service! The atmosphere is casual and quaint with indoor or outdoor dining available; and dogs are welcome.