Discovering Cowlitz County, Washington: A Complete Guide to Tourism, Festivals, and Community Pride

 Welcome to Cowlitz County By: Charles D. Hendrickson +  Harvey 

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Washington State, Cowlitz County is a land where rivers meet mountains, where history flows as surely as the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers, and where community spirit runs deeper than the 1,140 square miles of forests, valleys, and volcanic landscapes that define this remarkable region.

With a population of 113,982 (2024 estimate), Cowlitz County encompasses five incorporated cities - Longview (the largest), Kelso (the county seat), Castle Rock, Kalama, and Woodland - each with its own distinct character and proud traditions. The county's name derives from the anglicized Cowlitz Indian term "Cow-e-liske," meaning either "river of shifting sands" or "capturing the medicine spirit," a fitting description for a place where nature's power and human resilience intersect.

Sources:

The Gateway to Mount St. Helens

Cowlitz County's identity is forever intertwined with Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens changed the destiny and face of southwest Washington forever. When the mountain exploded at 8:32 a.m., 57 people lost their lives, 196 families became homeless, and an expanse of forest lay in smoldering ruins. The eruption released energy equivalent to 27,000 atomic bombs, reducing the mountain's height by 1,314 feet and creating a blast zone that devastated 230 square miles.

The Longview Daily News won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Local General or Spot News Reporting for its extraordinary coverage of the eruption, producing some 400 articles in one month. Photographer Roger Werth's spectacular images captured the catastrophe and became iconic representations of volcanic fury. The newspaper's dedication to documenting this historic event earned national recognition and demonstrated the vital role of local journalism in times of crisis.

Rather than being defeated by disaster, Cowlitz County communities demonstrated remarkable resilience. Local and state officials secured a half-billion-dollar dredging and dike-building effort by the Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring that when record floods hit in 1995 and 1996, Castle Rock, Lexington, Longview, and Kelso remained safe behind reinforced levees.

Today, Mount St. Helens attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from around the world, making Cowlitz County a premier destination for volcano tourism, outdoor recreation, and scientific education.

Sources:

Longview: The Planned City

Founded in 1923 by lumber magnate Robert Alexander Long, Longview was one of the first completely planned cities in the United States. Long's vision created a modern industrial city with wide boulevards, parks, and infrastructure designed to support both industry and quality of life.

Lake Sacajawea Park: The Crown Jewel

Photo by: Troy Anthony Photography




At the heart of Longview lies Lake Sacajawea Park, a 67-acre oasis that truly earns its nickname as the city's "crown jewel." Designed by landscape architects in the early 1920s as part of the "City Beautiful" movement, the park centers around a 52-acre man-made lake fed by water pumped from the Cowlitz River.

The park features 3.5 miles of walking trails encircling the lake, with over 119 species of trees from around the world labeled as part of the Frank Willis Arboretum. The Japanese Garden, created by former Parks Superintendent Al George and dedicated in the 1990s, offers an authentic experience with lanterns, gates, stonework, and bamboo screens on a one-acre island accessible by footbridge.

Additional attractions include:

  • The Solar System Walk, featuring scale models of planets with educational plaques
  • Year-round fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, bluegill, and yellow perch
  • Multiple playgrounds and picnic shelters
  • Concerts at the Lake every Thursday evening in July and August (6-8 PM)
  • Movies at the Lake in August
  • Wedding venues and event spaces

The park's rescue during the Great Depression stands as a testament to community activism. When the private Longview Company considered subdividing the property into 346 residential lots to pay back taxes, public outcry saved the day. Through legal maneuvering and community pressure, the property was deeded to the city in 1938, preserving it for future generations.

Sources:

Go Fourth Festival: Independence Day Spectacular

Founded in the 1960s, the Cowlitz County Go Fourth Festival is one of the oldest and largest Fourth of July celebrations in Washington State. Held annually at Lake Sacajawea Park and surrounding areas, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and boasts an average annual growth rate of 12% over recent years.

Festival highlights include:

  • ALA-Sanctioned Timbersport Competition featuring three World Championship events with world-class professional lumberjacks
  • Cardboard Boat Regatta on Lake Sacajawea
  • Fourth of July Parade starting at 10 AM
  • Go Fourth One Mile Run/Walk benefiting Helping Every Veteran In Need (HEVIN)
  • Arts and crafts booths with over 20 food vendors
  • Carnival rides operated by Cowlitz County Fire District #1
  • Continuous daily entertainment on multiple stages
  • Spectacular fireworks display at dusk on July 4th (one of the few remaining in the area)

The festival runs July 2-4 annually, with activities beginning as early as July 2nd and continuing through Independence Day.

Sources:

The Daily News: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalism

The Longview Daily News began publishing on January 27, 1923, financed by Robert A. Long as part of his vision for the new city. Editor Ralph Tennal published the first issue, though Long soon hired John Morgan McClelland Sr. to replace him. The paper became The Longview Daily News on April 2, 1923, when it began daily publication.

Despite initial perceptions as a company newspaper, Long insisted The Daily News serve as an independent, unbiased voice for the community. McClelland and his family maintained this commitment for decades. The McClelland family built a modern printing plant at 11th and Douglas Street in 1971 and expanded to publish other Washington newspapers.

The newspaper's finest hour came in 1981 when its staff won the Pulitzer Prize for comprehensive coverage of the Mount St. Helens eruption. The team produced approximately 400 articles in one month, with photographer Roger Werth specifically cited for his spectacular images of the historic event.

Today, The Daily News continues serving Cowlitz County with daily circulation of approximately 23,000, maintaining its headquarters at 770 11th Avenue in Longview. Historical archives from 1923-2025 are available through Newspapers.com and at the Longview Public Library, providing invaluable genealogical and historical research resources.

Sources:

Kelso: Scottish Heritage Alive

As Cowlitz County's seat, Kelso serves as the administrative heart of the region. But this city of Scottish heritage celebrates its roots with unbridled enthusiasm through one of the Pacific Northwest's premier cultural festivals.

Kelso Highlander Festival: Scottish Celebration

Held annually on the second weekend of September at beautiful Tam O'Shanter Park, the Kelso Highlander Festival brings Scottish and Celtic culture to life. The 2025 festival (September 13-14) celebrates "Legacies and Generations" with events for all ages.

Saturday Schedule Highlights:

  • 8:00 AM: Registration for Individual Heavyweight Athletics
  • 9:00 AM: Clan tents open, food and craft vendors, Highland Games begin
  • 10:00 AM: Festival parade from downtown Kelso to the park, Highland Dance Competition (morning session), Kelso Garden Club Flower Show "Journey Through The Highlands"
  • 11:00 AM: Silent Auction begins
  • 12:30 PM: Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Clans with Fort Vancouver Pipe Band and Tacoma Scots Pipe Band
  • 1:00 PM: Highland Dance Competition (afternoon session)
  • Continuous entertainment by Beltaine, Wicked Tinkers, and AML Trio
  • 4:45 PM: Silent Auction ends, winners announced

Sunday Features:

  • 8:00 AM: Team Heavyweight Athletics, Kirkin' of the Tartan Worship Service in park
  • 11:00 AM: Kirkin' of the Tartan at Kelso Methodist Presbyterian Church

The festival is completely FREE to attend and runs entirely on sponsorships and vendor fees, demonstrating the community's commitment to sharing its heritage. Activities include Highland Games (caber toss, stone throw), Scottish craft and food vendors, multiple pipe band performances, Highland dance competitions, and the Avenue of Clans.

The 2025 honored clan is the Dandie Dinmont Terriers, voted by participating clans.

Sources:

Tam O'Shanter Park

Named for Robert Burns' famous poem "Tam o' Shanter," this park serves as the festival's home and provides year-round recreation including playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic facilities. The park's Scottish-themed name reflects Kelso's proud heritage and serves as a gathering place for community events throughout the year.

Castle Rock: Gateway to Mount St. Helens

Castle Rock earned its name from a distinctive basalt outcropping that resembles a castle and serves as the gateway community to Mount St. Helens, just 49 miles east on State Route 504 (the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway).

Castle Rock Fair: Gold'n Memories

The Castle Rock Fair, scheduled for July 16-19, 2026 (with the theme "Gold'n Memories"), continues a tradition of western-themed family entertainment. The fair features 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors, maintaining the agricultural heritage that has defined the community since its founding.

Source: Castle Rock Fair Official Website

Festival of Lights

Each December, Castle Rock transforms into a winter wonderland with its Festival of Lights celebration. The community comes together for holiday activities, lighted displays, and seasonal festivities that bring warmth to the winter months.

Castle Rock Exhibit Hall & Visitors Center

The Castle Rock Exhibit Hall historically served as a visitor center for Mount St. Helens, featuring exhibits about the 1980 eruption and local history. While the original building was permanently closed due to structural issues, plans for a new visitors center continue, ensuring that Castle Rock maintains its role as the gateway to volcano country.

Sources:

Kalama: Where Highway, Rail, and Water Meet

Kalama's strategic location at one of the deepest points of the Columbia River, combined with access to Interstate 5 and rail lines, has made it a vital transportation and industrial hub. But beyond industry, this small city offers a charming downtown experience and waterfront recreation.

Historic Downtown Kalama

First Street in downtown Kalama is an antique lover's paradise, featuring five distinct antique stores plus additional vintage goods at the local pharmacy. Each shop offers different treasures, from vintage beer signs and old books to local pickled vegetables and artisan goods.

The downtown also features:

  • Antique Deli and Antiques (known for homemade sandwiches and baked goods)
  • Kalama Koffee drive-through
  • McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge on the waterfront
  • Local library with community bulletin boards

Port of Kalama Recreation

The Port of Kalama provides a mile of riverfront playground along the Columbia River, including:

Westin Amphitheater: Named after longest-serving commissioner Milford Westin, this beautiful venue hosts FREE weekly outdoor concerts every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM during summer months (courtesy of McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge). The amphitheater is available for private community events at no charge.

Marine Park: Home to Washington's tallest totem pole, originally carved from a 700-year-old red cedar for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. At 140 feet, this impressive totem was grounded in 2018 due to rotting but remains a spectacular sight. The park offers well-maintained grounds perfect for picnics and recreation.

Louis Rasmussen Day Use Park: Five acres featuring covered picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, horseshoes, tennis, and basketball courts.

Haydu Park: Provides access to several thousand feet of Kalama River frontage with 40 acres including baseball and soccer fields, horse riding arena, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and an exposition building.

Kalama Community Events

Mother's Day Weekend: AMALAK ladies group hosts annual flower and book sale Father's Day: Lions Club breakfast at Community Building Monthly Bingo: Second Sunday of each month at Community Building Big Smoke in Little Kalama: End of June Kalama Fair: July, featuring Fair Princesses, Queen Coronation, 4-H activities, and parade Untouchables Car Show: August, downtown Kalama fills with antique cars Halloween Trick-or-Treating: Main Street closed for safe trick-or-treating Christmas in Kalama: First weekend of December with photos with Santa, lighted parade by Kalama Chamber Christmas Eve: Santa rides fire engine collecting food donations

Kalama's Twilight Connection

Film buffs know that Kalama High School served as the location for exterior school scenes in the first Twilight movie, including the famous moment when Edward saves Bella from being hit by a car.

Sources:

Woodland: Home of Washington's Oldest Continuous Community Celebration

Woodland proudly hosts Planters Days, recognized as the oldest continuous community celebration in Washington State, dating back to 1922 (with the first celebration held in 1921 to mark the completion of dikes protecting the city from flooding).

Woodland Planters Days

The 103rd annual Woodland Planters Days runs June 19-22, 2025, with the theme "Legacies and Generations." This four-day extravaganza at Horseshoe Lake Park and various downtown venues includes:

Thursday, June 19 (3:00-10:30 PM):

  • Carnival opens
  • Fireworks at 10:00 PM

Friday, June 20 (10:00 AM-7:00 PM):

  • Full day of carnival, vendors, and entertainment

Saturday, June 21 (7:00 AM-10:00 PM):

  • Columbia River Camaro Club car show
  • Multiple parades (including pet parade)
  • Frog Jump at 1:30 PM (57th annual event started by Walter and Donna Hansen as a Scout activity)
  • Bed Races at 4:00 PM
  • Live entertainment and food vendors
  • Book sale and vendor market
  • Barbecue

Sunday, June 22 (8:00 AM-3:00 PM):

  • Cruise-in car show

Additional features include $5 raffle tickets for a $5,000 prize, talent shows, and continuous carnival rides operated by Cowlitz County Fire District #1 (all proceeds support their programs).

The festival attracts families from throughout the region and honors Woodland's history with the dike system. Former Woodland Mayor Todd Dinehart's annual proclamation reminds attendees that this celebration began in recognition of the dikes built in 1921 to protect the city from catastrophic flooding.

Each year, Woodland crowns Miss Woodland and her court of princesses during opening ceremonies, maintaining a tradition that connects past and present.

Sources:

Additional Woodland Events

  • Arbor Day: April celebrations
  • Movies in the Park: June through August
  • Hot Summer Nights: Music and community gatherings
  • Make a Difference Day: October
  • Winterfest: December

Cowlitz County Fair: Agricultural Excellence

The Cowlitz County Fair began on September 3-4, 1937, as the Cowlitz Valley Fair at Catlin Park. This inaugural event featured a memorable milking contest between civic leaders from Longview and Kelso, won by Dr. J.L. Norris of Longview. The fair has operated continuously except during World War II (1941-1945).

The fair has moved locations several times and undergone name changes:

  • Cowlitz Valley Fair (1937-1945)
  • Cowlitz County Fair (1946-1948)
  • Columbia Empire Fair (1949)
  • Back to Cowlitz County Fair (current)

Locations have included: Catlin Park (1937), 15th Avenue and Ocean Beach Highway (1941), 7th Avenue and old LP&N railway (1942), Saddle Club Park in Longview at 14th and Baltimore (1946), back to 7th Avenue (1947), and the present location (1950-present).

The fair has always maintained a western flair, featuring:

  • Country Western singers and comedians
  • Horse shows and juvenile rodeos
  • Sheriff's Posse exhibitions
  • 4-H and FFA youth exhibits
  • Livestock market
  • Fair Queen coronation (many queens were also rodeo title holders)
  • Modern facilities including floral building, automobile building, model milk parlor

Admission remains affordable and family-friendly. In 2017, attendance reached nearly 60,000 over four days, making it the largest annual event in the area. The Fair Foundation (501c3) was created to maintain the grounds and subsidize expenses, allowing the fair to remain FREE for Kelso, Longview, and surrounding communities for the last 13+ years.

The 2025 fair continues this tradition, typically held in late July at the Cowlitz County Event Center.

Sources:

Cowlitz County Historical Museum: Preserving Our Heritage

Located at 405 Allen Street in Kelso, the Cowlitz County Historical Museum operates as a public-private partnership between Cowlitz County and the Cowlitz County Historical Society (founded 1949). The museum opened in county-provided space in 1953 and moved to its current location in 1979.

Exhibits and Collections

"Cowlitz Encounters" serves as the museum's long-term exhibit, portraying settlement and transportation from pre-European contact to present day. Features include:

  • Cowlitz Indian artifacts and canoe display
  • Re-created log cabin with period furnishings
  • Portions of loggers' bunkhouse
  • Re-created railroad depot
  • Extensive historical photographs on seven screens
  • Mount St. Helens eruption documentation
  • Timber industry history

The museum maintains extensive collections including:

  • Historical photographs
  • County artifacts and tools
  • School pictures
  • Books documenting Cowlitz County history
  • Research archives available to the public

Research Services

The museum provides research assistance through:

  • Museum Director Joseph Govednik (govednikj@cowlitzwa.gov)
  • Curator Bill Watson (watsonb@cowlitzwa.gov)
  • PastPerfect online database for collection searches
  • Free admission (donations accepted)

Hours and Programs

Regular Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed Sunday-Monday)

Special Programs: First Thursday lectures and programs, including Archaeology Month in Washington State events

Museum Store and Publications

The Cowlitz County Historical Society publishes the "Cowlitz Historical Quarterly" since 1959, covering diverse local history topics. Recent issues have explored subjects like "Rock 'n' Roll's Roots in Cowlitz County."

The museum store offers books about the region including:

  • "Longview" by Dennis Weber with Karen Dennis and Sue Maxey
  • "Kelso" by George R. Miller, William R. Watson, and the Cowlitz County Historical Museum
  • "Castle Rock" by Vicki Selander
  • "Kalama" by C. Louise Thomas
  • "Mount St. Helens" by David A. Anderson
  • "Washington's Highway 99" by Chuck Flood
  • "Railroads of the Columbia River Gorge" by D.C. Jesse Burkhardt

Additional offerings include children's books on Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, Oregon Trail, farms, pioneers, railroads, American history, and even Bigfoot.

Membership Benefits

  • Subscription to Cowlitz Historical Quarterly
  • Society newsletters
  • 10% discount on museum store purchases
  • 20% discount on custom printed photos from collection
  • Invitation to annual membership meeting with dinner

Sources:

Community Champions of Cowlitz County

Throughout its history, Cowlitz County has been shaped by dedicated individuals who exemplified community spirit, leadership, and service. While space doesn't permit listing all deserving champions, these individuals and groups represent the spirit of Cowlitz County:

Journalism and Media

The Daily News Staff (1980): The entire team that produced Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Mount St. Helens, with special recognition to photographer Roger Werth and city editor Andre Stepankowsky, who was part of the team and later reflected on the coverage's impact.

John Morgan McClelland Sr. and Jr.: Father and son who built The Daily News into an independent, respected voice for the community. McClelland Jr. served as president of the Society of Professional Journalists (1950-1951).

Parks and Recreation

Al George: Former Longview Parks Superintendent who created the authentic Japanese Garden at Lake Sacajawea Park after studying Japanese garden design while stationed in Japan. His vision brought cultural beauty and education to the community.

Frank Willis: Parks superintendent honored through the naming of the Frank Willis Arboretum at Lake Sacajawea, instrumental in elevating tree awareness and achieving success with the 1963 Master Street Tree Plan.

Community Service and Recovery

Van Youngquist: Former Cowlitz County Commissioner who played crucial roles in securing federal funding for flood control infrastructure after Mount St. Helens. His leadership helped ensure communities remained safe during subsequent major floods in 1995 and 1996.

Harry Claterbos: The Astoria-based contractor who led the massive dredging operation of the Cowlitz River under Army Corps of Engineers contract. "Harry's Mountain," the large dredge spoils pile near the mouth of the Toutle River, honors his work.

Historic Community Builders

Robert Alexander Long (1850-1934): Lumber magnate and president of Long-Bell Lumber Company who founded Longview and financed The Daily News. His vision created one of America's first completely planned cities with parks, infrastructure, and commitment to independent journalism.

Walter and Donna Hansen: Started Woodland's beloved Frog Jump in 1967 as a Scout activity for fathers and sons to spend time together. Now in its 57th year, the event remains a Planters Days tradition.

Volunteers and Community Organizations

Cowlitz County Go Fourth Festival Association: Volunteers who have organized the Independence Day celebration since the 1960s, creating one of Washington's largest Fourth of July events.

Kelso Highlander Festival Volunteers: Community members who organize the annual Scottish festival entirely through sponsorships and volunteer labor, keeping admission free.

Woodland Planters Days Volunteers: Dedicated individuals maintaining Washington's oldest continuous community celebration since 1922.

Cowlitz County Historical Society Members: Since 1949, society members have preserved and shared county heritage through the museum, publications, and educational programs.

Science and Public Safety

U.S. Geological Survey Scientists: Including Carolyn Driedger (hydrologist and outreach coordinator) and Liz Westby (social media and public education), who have dedicated careers to monitoring Mount St. Helens, educating the public, and coordinating emergency preparedness. Their work ensures communities remain informed and prepared for future volcanic activity.

These champions, along with countless unnamed volunteers, civic leaders, educators, firefighters, business owners, and community members, have built Cowlitz County into the resilient, vibrant region it is today.

Year-Round Attractions and Activities

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

The 110,000-acre monument offers world-class hiking, wildlife viewing, and volcanic education. Key sites include:

  • Johnston Ridge Observatory (closest view of the crater)
  • Ape Cave (lava tube exploration)
  • Climbing permits for summit attempts
  • Interpretive centers
  • Over 200 miles of trails

Website: USFS Mount St. Helens

Outdoor Recreation

Rivers and Waterways:

  • Columbia River (fishing, boating)
  • Cowlitz River (world-class steelhead and salmon fishing)
  • Kalama River (fishing access)
  • Toutle River (volcanic history viewing)

Parks and Natural Areas:

  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest
  • Multiple county parks including Riverside Park, Harry Gardner Park, Catlin Cemetery
  • Seaquest State Park near Silver Lake

Fishing: Cowlitz County offers exceptional fishing opportunities year-round, with charter services available for Columbia and Cowlitz River trips. Washington State fishing licenses required.

Cultural Attractions

Cowlitz County Event Center (1900 7th Ave, Longview): Hosts dog shows, craft fairs, trade shows, expos, and community events year-round. The venue includes multiple buildings and outdoor spaces for events of various sizes.

McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge: Historic waterfront lodge featuring multiple restaurants, bars (Harbor Lounge, Cove Bar, Cloud Bar), live music, and river views. The lodge itself is worth exploring with its unique McMenamins character and artwork.

Theaters and Performing Arts:

  • Columbia Theater
  • Kalama Westin Amphitheater
  • Various community theater productions

Wineries, Breweries, and Local Food

The region offers several wineries and craft beverage producers, along with farm-to-table dining experiences highlighting Pacific Northwest ingredients and local agricultural products.

Planning Your Visit

When to Visit

Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom, festivals begin, fishing season peaks Summer (June-August): Peak festival season, warm weather, all attractions open Fall (September-October): Spectacular foliage, harvest celebrations, Highlander Festival Winter (November-February): Holiday events, indoor attractions, storm watching on the Columbia River

Getting There

Cowlitz County sits along Interstate 5, approximately:

  • 2 hours north of Portland, Oregon
  • 2.5 hours south of Seattle, Washington
  • 40 minutes from the Pacific coast via Highway 4
  • 45 minutes from Mount St. Helens (via Castle Rock)

Major Highways:

  • Interstate 5 (main north-south corridor)
  • State Route 4 (east-west to coast)
  • State Route 504 (Spirit Lake Memorial Highway to Mount St. Helens)
  • State Route 503 (north to Lewis County)

Accommodations

Options range from historic hotels (like McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge and the Monticello Hotel in Longview) to modern chain hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and numerous RV parks and campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitor Information

Visit Mt. St. Helens Tourism Email: tourism@visitmtsthelens.com Website: www.visitmtsthelens.com

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Website: kelsolongviewchamber.org

Individual City Websites:

Cowlitz County Official: www.co.cowlitz.wa.us

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience

Cowlitz County's story is one of resilience, community spirit, and connection to the land. From the Cowlitz people who lived here for 12,000 years, to the pioneers who settled the river valleys, to the modern communities who faced down volcanic fury and emerged stronger, this region embodies the Pacific Northwest spirit.

Whether you're exploring the crown jewel of Lake Sacajawea, experiencing Scottish culture at the Highlander Festival, celebrating Independence Day at Go Fourth, witnessing the raw power of Mount St. Helens, or discovering small-town charm in historic downtowns, Cowlitz County offers authentic experiences that connect past and present.

Come discover where highway, rail, and water meet. Where rivers shift sands and capture medicine spirits. Where community pride runs as deep as the Columbia River itself.

Welcome to Cowlitz County, Washington.

This comprehensive guide was compiled from official sources, historical records, newspaper archives, and community organization websites. For the most current event information, please visit individual event websites or contact organizers directly. All dates and details subject to change.

Research Sources Include: Cowlitz County Official Website, Visit Mt St Helens Tourism, individual city websites, The Daily News archives, Cowlitz County Historical Museum, HistoryLink.org, Washington State historical records, U.S. Geological Survey, Library of Congress, and numerous festival and event organization websites as cited throughout this document.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Where to Get Free Food and Hot Meals in Cowlitz County... Longview & Kelso WA Resource Guide

Image
 Where to Get Free Food and Hot Meals in Cowlitz County... Longview & Kelso WA Resource Guide If you or someone you know needs food support in Cowlitz County , you're not alone. With the recent federal SNAP benefit pause affecting over 900,000 Washington residents, dozens of community partners across Longview , Kelso , Woodland, and Castle Rock are stepping up to ensure no one goes hungry. This guide connects you with local food pantries , hot meal programs, and senior lunch sites throughout Cowlitz County. Food Pantries in Cowlitz County Longview WA Food Pantries CAP Help Warehouse Address: 1526 Commerce Ave, Longview Hours: Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (closed 3rd Wednesday of each month) Phone: (360) 425-3430 x221 Additional Services: Senior Lunch (55+): 2nd Thursday each month Commodities: 3rd Tuesday each month 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Salvation Army Food Pantry Address: 1639 10th Ave, Longview Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Phone: (360) 423-3...
Read more

Cowlitz County Faces Critical Decision on $11 Million Homeless Funding as Hope Village Closes

As Longview's transitional housing program ends October 1st, county commissioners consider accepting Washington State homeless services grant Cowlitz County commissioners face a pivotal decision in the coming weeks: whether to accept $11 million in Washington State funding for homeless services through the Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) program. This decision comes at a critical time, as Hope Village—Longview's successful transitional housing program, closes October 1st after serving over 110 residents in 2.5 years. The timing highlights the complex challenges facing Southwest Washington communities as they balance fiscal responsibility, local control, and community needs in addressing homelessness across Longview, Kelso, and rural Cowlitz County. The Current Landscape Hope Village's Impact and Closure: Hope Village required proof of Cowlitz County residency and successfully helped more than 110 people transition from homelessness to stable housing. The program is c...
Read more

Why Peer Support and Community Health Workers Are the Heart of Effective Homelessness Solutions

  Why Peer Support and Community Health Workers Are the Heart of Effective Homelessness Solutions By Charles Hendrickson | Love Overwhelming Blog In the latest wave of federal policy announcements, Washington State’s Housing First approach has come under pressure. A new executive order threatens to pull millions in federal funding unless cities like Seattle abandon proven strategies in favor of outdated enforcement-first models. At Love Overwhelming, we believe there is a better way, one that saves money, changes lives, and keeps the community at the center. Housing First isn’t just compassionate, it’s cost-effective. And when paired with community health workers and peer support specialists, it becomes one of the most powerful tools we have for reducing homelessness, hospitalizations, and justice system involvement. Rising Pressure, Broken Models There’s increasing political pressure to prioritize shelters with mandatory treatment over housing with optional, voluntary support...
Read more