Cowlitz River

The Cowlitz River is a scenic waterway in southwestern Washington State, flowing approximately 128 miles from the slopes of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens to its confluence with the Columbia River. Fed by snowmelt and glacial waters, it winds through lush forests and valleys, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. Anglers especially prize the river for its productive runs of salmon, steelhead, and trout, while paddlers and kayakers enjoy floating through scenic canyons and calmer sections. Families and nature lovers frequent its banks for camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing picnics, making the Cowlitz a popular destination for year-round adventures in the Pacific Northwest.