Historic Trails, Ports, and Waterways of Cowlitz County
A two part historical series on Cowlitz County. Part One: Ports and Waterways; Part Two: Cowlitz Trails Project
The Cowlitz River
Plywood loaded for shipment at the Port of Longview.
The Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission made a series of videos about how local waterways, ports, and history connect us. These stories speak to how we each have had personal, transformative experiences along these rivers. The Cowlitz, Columbia, and Lewis Rivers weave their way across Cowlitz County.
Saving Salmon on the Lower Columbia
Saving Salmon on the Lower Columbia. Click to expand.
Six different species of salmon pass through Cowlitz County. Former Cowlitz County Commissioner Joel Rupley shares how with a team of dedicated salmon lovers, he helped jumpstart the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board.
The Cowlitz at Gerhart Gardens
The Cowlitz at Gerhart Gardens. Click to expand.
The Cowlitz river and Columbia Rivers hold a special place in George Winn's heart. Learn more about the Cowlitz Smelt from the Department of Fish and Wildlife or ask an old neighbor, we all have a story.
The Port of Kalama, History and Future
The Port of Kalama, History and Future. Click to expand.
Boatbuilding on the Cowlitz
Boatbuilding on the Cowlitz. Click to expand.
Boat building on the Cowlitz River is a personal story for Bill.
Diesel Engines on the Water
Diesel Engines on the Water. Click to expand.
Remembering old smells, sounds and vacations helps Alicia remember her family's adventures on the water.
Building a Home in 1892
Building a Home in 1892. Click to expand.
The Lewis River was a route of transportation for the construction materials that built this historic home in 1892.
A Paddle Back in Time
A Paddle Back in Time. Click to expand.
Ship stoies get refloated in this story from Harve in Stella, Washington.
Columbia River Crisis
Columbia River Crisis. Click to expand.
Cowlitz County Historical Museum shares a story of shipping on the Columbia during the Eruption of Mt St Helens.
Maritime Chart of the Columbia River - Compliments of NOAA
The Columbia River and its reflections.
The Proposed General Plan of Longview. Some areas are quite akin to modern Longview, while others, like the native burial site at Mt Coffin were unfortunately raised to make way for industry.
Each river in Cowlitz County has been changed by nearby communities. From early settlements, and agriculture to the development of the local paper industry, people have always used the water. Fishing and logging continue to play an important part in our local economy and identity. These historic rivers unite and hold some of Cowlitz County's heritage.
Cowlitz Trail Corridor Project
August 25, 2022
The Cowlitz Trail was a series of footpaths, waterways, and early wagon roads from Ft Vancouver to the Puget Sound. Used since time immemorial, this corridor connects people to food, commerce, population centers, and industry.
The Historic Preservatoin Commission decided to document this corridor of transportation through a grant from the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Local musuems, historians, tribes, and the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site contributed to this story.
The Cowlitz Trail Map
Cowlitz Pioneer Trails. The route of the Cowlitz Trial, Pioneer wagon roads, and Pacific Highway traverse cowlitz County from Ft Vancouver to South Puget Sound. In cowlitz County, they generally hugged the topography to avoid as many river and swamp crossings as possible.
Walk and ride the trail through these Videos!
These three videos showcase some of the difficult travels along the Cowlitz Trail. First hand account along the trail richly describe the arduous journey and the people along the way.
Cowlitz Trail Corridor: Lt. Commander Wilkes on the Cowlitz River
Cowlitz Trail Corridor: From the Cowlitz Trail to Military Road
Cowlitz Trail Corridor: Edward Jay Allen on the Cowlitz Trail
Public Educational Posters and Flyers
Check out these large format educational posters. Click on each poster to expand it across your screen, or drop by one of our upcoming events to read it at full size.
Southwest Washington Geology
Across the Mountain Connections
Settler Era
Pacific Highway
Learn more about the work of the Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission by contacting:
Cowlitz County Long Range Planning at 360-577-3052 or longrange@co.cowlitz.wa.us
Thank you to our project partners
Additionally, All three ports in Cowlitz County contributed to this story:
