The first European-American settlers to arrive in the area that would become Longview were Harry and Rebecca Jane Huntington, who arrived in 1849. At the time, the area was called Monticello in honor of Thomas Jefferson's home of the same name. The area would remain sparsely populated for the next 60 years. The new community of Longview was developed in the early 1920s as a place for workers of two local lumber companies to live. The planned city was officially incorporated on February 14, 1924. The town grew rapidly over the next decade, and for a while, Longview was one of the most populated cities in Washington. However, the effects of the Great Depression hit the community hard. The population did grow as a result of World War II, but the local economy has been in decline for the majority of the decades since.
These days, Longview has an approximate population of 38,000 and is known for its many beautiful parks and natural spaces. If the sun comes out while you're visiting, you could spend a day at the picturesque Lake Sacajawea Park, which offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and picnicking. Alternatively, you could work on your stroke at Mint Valley Golf Course or explore the fascinating Ape Cave Lava Tubes.
You'll definitely want to spend a day checking out Longview's lovely downtown area. There, you'll find a variety of retail stores, shops, and restaurants. You may also be able to spend a fun day enjoying the rides and games at the Cowlitz County Fair. Longview offers many excellent dining options worth trying while you're in the area. Stuffy's II Restaurant and The Office 842 are both very popular with locals. You could also enjoy some delicious wine over at Roland Wines.
Castle Rock Festival of Lights - Come celebrate the holiday season at the annual Castle Rock Festival of Lights. The festive event is happening in early December in nearby Castle Rock, WA, and will be a lot of fun for the whole family.
Holiday Food and Gift Festival - Taking place in Hillsboro, OR in early November, the annual Holiday Food and Gift Festival is one of the largest holiday celebrations in the northwest.
Veterans Parade - Come pay tribute at the annual Veterans Parade in Vancouver, WA. The parade, which has been running for over 30 years, will be in early November at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
If you get the chance, it's definitely worth visiting Mount Rainier National Park, which is home to the majestic Mount Rainier. The 14,410-foot peak is an active volcano that's visible from all over the region. Below the mountain, you'll find lush forests, peaceful meadows, and colorful wildflowers, offering some of the best hiking opportunities in the state. If you're an experienced climber with a guide and a permit, you can attempt to reach the summit of Mount Rainier. Alternatively, you could enjoy some skiing or snowboarding at the Crystal Mountain ski resort.
Located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is a 922,000-acre stretch of lush forests. The park contains thousands of miles of wonderful hiking trails, over 650 archaeological sites, and 60 miles of rugged coastline. You can enjoy all sorts of outdoor recreational activities at this park, including kayaking, swimming, biking, wildlife viewing, and bird-watching.
North Cascades National Park is one of the most remote and beautiful natural areas in Washington. Located in the northern part of the state, the park is home to the breathtaking Cascades Mountains. The area also features over 300 incredible glaciers, some of which can be viewed up close if you have a backcountry permit. The park is home to a variety of cool wildlife species, including bears, mountain goats, gray wolves, and spotted owls. Hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing are all popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
Situated between Tacoma and Portland, Seaquest State Park lies on the shores of Silver Lake. The park features scenic hiking trails, breathtaking views of Mount St. Helens, and lots of interesting wildlife to observe. Visitors can also utilize the reservoir for activities like fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking.
Paradise Point State Park is an aptly named natural area located only a short drive from Longview. The tranquil park is a popular spot for various forms of outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.
If you're looking for a unique experience, you'll want to check out Battle Ground Lake State Park. There, you'll have the chance to swim or paddle across the crater of an ancient volcano. You can also cast your fishing line in the gorgeous lake or explore the area's peaceful hiking trails.
You can certainly add some variety to your trip by visiting one or more of Washington's most amazing monuments and landmarks. If you make your way to Seattle, WA you should make a point to visit the Space Needle. You can take the elevator up to the very top, where you'll have the chance to enjoy the spectacular views and eat a delicious dinner at the restaurant.
Another iconic must-see landmark in nearby Seattle is Pike Place Market. There, you can browse a huge selection of unique specialty shops. Plus, if you stick around long enough, you may get to observe the famous salmon toss!
You'll also want to check out Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which is located relatively near the Longview area. Mount St. Helens became a national monument when it erupted in 1980. Today, you can hike the area's many trails, climb the volcano's summit, and learn more about the area at the visitor's center.
One excellent place to camp near Longview is Vancouver RV Park, which offers full-hookup RV campsites available for $85 per night or $500 per week. The campground provides numerous amenities, including a full kitchen, complimentary coffee, community games, television, and Wi-Fi.
You could also stay at Big Fir Campground and RV Park. There, you can rent one of the 37 RV campsites starting at $40 per night. The sites have 30- and 50-amp electricity, and during your stay, you'll have access to many modern amenities and comforts. Each campsite even comes with a barbecue pit and picnic table.
Another quality campground to consider is Tri-Mountain RV Park, which has 81 full-hookup RV campsites available for $39 to $41 per night. The campground's amenities include a playground and a laundry center with modern washers and dryers.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Longview, WA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Longview?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Longview from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Longview?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
