Best Weekend Boating & RV Adventures Around Longview for Under $200

Longview sits near the border of Washington State and Oregon, and it’s one of the country’s most beautiful places to live and experience. Resting in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, just along the banks of the Columbia River, Longview, WA is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

With so much natural beauty surrounding the city, there is no shortage of weekend adventures and excursions to fill your quest to soak in the great outdoors.

Continue reading for a few great choices within a day’s drive from Longview.

Camper, Tent & RV Weekend Weekend

Seeing the Crown Point area in Corbett, OR

What to do: Pack a picnic lunch, fuel up (or charge) the car, and strap on your hiking boots and head toward I-84 east for a trip through the Crown Point area. Visit Crown Point State Scenic Corridor, Crown Point State Park, go hiking or see the iconic Multnomah Falls up close.

While you’re at it, check out Vista House, a glamorous century-old rest stop located off of Exit 22 on I-84. Enjoy this “temple to the beauty” of the Columbia River Gorge.

Where to stay: Crown Point RV Park

Best for: Couples and families with a travel trailer, camper, or RV who wants a quick getaway in the pristine beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and Crown Point State Scenic Corridor.

Camping on the Beach, in Ilwaco, WA 

What to do: Easy trails to either walk or ride a bike. Walks through the forest, an amazing jetty with a beautiful view of the bay, lighthouses to checkout, and of course beach access. The trail to North Head, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is a smooth, comfortable walk.

Don’t let the name fool you: Cape Disappointment State Park is anything but! The name comes from a thwarted expedition by Captain John Mears, who was attempting to find the Columbia River. Historic ruins, majestic lighthouses steeped in historic lore, and the legacy of famed explorers Lewis and Clark mark the legacy of Cape Disappointment. Hikes and plenty of seashore fun await you at the 2,000 acres plus camping park.

Eat breakfast at Elmer’s. Visitors say it’s the best breakfast spot in Pacific County.

Where to stay: Cape Disappointment State Park– despite the name, you’re in for a treat! Check out the $3,000+ 5-start reviews on Google. This place is gorgeous.

Best for: Couples and families with a tent, travel trailer, camper, or RV. Beautiful scenery and an easy 1.5-hour commute make this a “can’t miss” weekend trip.

Visit Mt. Hood National Forest

What to do: Explore the roughly 1,067,043 dog-friendly acres and see some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see. Must get-to’s:

• Mirror Lake

• Fishing at Timothy Lake

• Mount Hood Scenic Loop, an epic 146 mile drive with views of mountains, gorges and rivers, including Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls, and the Columbia River

• Mountain bikers will enjoy the Timberline to Town Trail

• Movie buffs and ski bunnies alike will enjoy staying at the historic Timberline Lodge, which was used as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining” and has access to ski lifts going to intermediate and beginner ski runs

Where to stay: Definitely at one of the campgrounds in the national forest.

Best for: Couples and families with a tent, travel trailer, camper, or smaller RV. Fido is welcome!

Best Weekend Boating Adventures

Lunch and Boating at Willow Grove Boat Launch 

What to do: Right at home in Longview is Willow Grove Boat Launch, a local’s favorite for walking, boating, riding personal watercraft, swimming (wear your life jacket), catching the sunset, sitting at the beachy river edge, and more. They have picnic tables and built-in bbq pits, so bring the ribs and potato salad. But don’t forget to bring the charcoal.

Best for: Families, couples, and groups of friends wanting to get out in the sunshine and on the water.

Boat Down to Kalama Harbor for Lunch

What to do: Boat down to Kalama Harbor for lunch at McMenamins Pub. The trip along the Columbia River is lovely, and once you get to Kalama Harbor you can use the Public Guest Dock and then walk over to McMenamins Pub. Sit inside or outside to eat, and then walk around Kalama Harbor before you head home.

Best for: Families and couples wanting to get out in the sunshine and on the water.

Fishing, Kayaking, and Boating on Silver Lake

What to do: Silver Lake Resort has boat rentals, fishing, a playground for the kiddos and so much more. Or you can bring your own watercraft and put it in at the boat launch.

There’s something for everyone, from waterfront motels, to cabins, to availability for RVs and tents. Each travel-friendly room has its own kitchen. The resort is close to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, as well as Ape Caves, underground lava caves perfect for a 3-mile hike by lantern (or flashlight).

Best for: Families, couples, and groups of friends wanting to get out in the sunshine and on the water.

Get Outdoors and See a Beautiful Part of the Country

If you’ve got the itch to hit the road again in the near future, make sure you add the area around Longview to your itinerary. Experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and plan a trip you won’t soon forget.Longview’s surrounding area has something for nearly every type of outdoor lover, whether you’re a hiker, boater, or simply an avid traveler who loves to take in scenic vistas and breathtaking landscapes.

If you find you’re in the market for a new boat or RV to kickstart your next adventure, we’re always here to get you out there adventuring in style.

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