Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview

Discover the majestic forest and mountains of Southwest Washington when you stay at Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview. As a picturesque backdrop, our hotel offers an ideal location near some of the best activities Longview, WA and a premier setting for special occasions.

Whether you're interested in a relaxing trip to enjoy scenic views or prefer to take advantage of outdoor Kelso, WA attractions like fishing on the Columbia River, there are endless opportunities for an exciting adventure. Be sure to visit Mt. St. Helens, one of the most sought-after attractions before retreating to your comfortable accommodations at Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview.

Things To Do In Longview:

• Mount St. Helens
• Fishing
• Ape Cave Lava Tubes
• Cowlitz Black Bears Baseball

Glorious Views of Pacific Northwest Nature

Head off to a day of Pacific Northwest hiking and exploration with Ape Cave Lava Tubes, and discover astonishing natural forms. Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, within driving distance of our Kelso hotel, Ape Cave was discovered in 1947 but remained unexplored until the 1950s. It's not only one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Washington State, but it's a geological anomaly: lava tubes aren't often found here, as volcanoes of the Cascade Range are mostly stratovolcanoes and do not typically erupt with pahoehoe (fluid basalt). Its passageway is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States and the third longest lava tube in North America, at 2.5 miles (4,023 meters).

Hikers regularly sing the praises of Ape Cave, with its extraordinary views of the Mount St. Helens lahar region, and you'll know why once you've arrived. After you've accessed the cave via the footpath, you have nearly three hours of exploration ahead of you. The lower cave's 1.6 mile round trip features a fairly level, mudflow-covered floor, as well as the unique formations known as the “railroad tracks” and the "meatball." The upper cave (not recommended for children) is more intensive, with travel over large rock piles and a climb up an 8-foot lava fall. The physical challenge comes with a reward in the form of the stunning Skylight, an opening to the surface of the cave, before finding your way to the upper exit and Ape Cave Trail #239. 

Open year round, Ape Cave has dedicated parking at Trail of Two Forests, and the Ape Headquarters Center reopens Memorial Day Weekend, 2016; it will be open weekends from 10 AM to 5 PM until the end of June when it will be open 7 days a week. After Labor Day, the Center will be open weekends through September. Ape Headquarters Center provides lantern rentals ($5) and White Nose Bat Syndrome information during the summer. Be sure to bring two sources of light per person, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing, and be prepared to practice "Leave No Trace" ethics.

Cowlitz Black Bears Baseball

Red Lion Hotel Kelso-Longview is proud to be a sponsor of the Cowlitz Black Bears. We invite you to stay with and are happy to welcome all teams and fans of the West Coast League. The league comprises teams from British Columbia, Oregon and Washington. Our beloved Cowlitz calls David Story Field, on the campus of Lower Columbia College, home.

Contact us about group accommodations, and start planning your trip to Kelso, Washington

Fishing in Kelso Washington

Home to one of Washington state's most abundant stocks of fish, the intersection of the Cowlitz and Columbia rivers at Kelso and Longview has exceptional year-round fishing and is known as the Smelt Capital of the World.

You'll be able to fish for Yellow Perch, Crappie and Smallmouth Bass at the aforementioned rivers, as well as on the Kalama, Lewis, Toutle and Coweeman rivers, each with their own unique features and benefits. For fishing regulations and additional information, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

The Majestic Mount St. Helens

As a chosen destination among Mt. St. Helens hotels, Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview has an unparalleled location with sweeping views of the crater, lava dome and blast center from the nearby Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center and Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Our Mt. St. Helens accommodations offer unmatched access to one of the longest continuous lava tubes in the world, Ape Cave. A go-to spot for hikers and families alike, Mount Saint Helens offers jaw-dropping views and endless opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking and much more.