Known for sandy beaches, Mount St. Helens, Washington’s Vancouver, and the western Columbia River Gorge, there’s plenty to explore in Southwest Washington. Sip local wines on the Vancouver waterfront, sample fresh seafood in Long Beach, hike to waterfalls, and more. Many destinations are an easy drive from Seattle and Portland, OR.
Airports: The closest airports to Southwest Washington include Portland International Airport in Oregon and regional airports like Kelso and Vancouver Pearson Field. Washington’s largest airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is about a 1.5-3.5 hour drive away, depending on the destination.
Major Highways: I-5, SR-14, US-12
Climate/Seasonality: Southwest Washington has mild winters, warm summers, and a moderate spring and fall.
The Southwest region’s largest city (and fourth largest in the state), Vancouver makes a great base thanks to ample lodging and dining options. Situated across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, you’ll find waterfront wine tasting, a thriving craft beer and food scene, vibrant art galleries, and charming boutiques. Don’t miss historic Fort Vancouver, one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rocky Mountains.
Fresh seafood, family fun, and history beckon visitors to Washington’s evergreen coast. Discover the communities of Long Beach, Ilwaco, and others as you explore sand dunes, visit scenic lighthouses at Cape Disappointment State Park, and enjoy bird watching at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. In summer, the peninsula hosts the Washington State International Kite Festival, while winter transforms the beach into one of the Southwest region’s top storm-watching destinations.
Stretching along the Washington-Oregon border, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area features striking changes in elevation and precipitation, resulting in diverse ecosystems and ample outdoor recreation. Hike to scenic viewpoints at Beacon Rock State Park, soak at a hot springs resort, or try wind or kite surfing in this world-renowned destination.
Covering more than 1.3 million acres, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is home to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Mount Adams, and the Cowlitz Valley. Known for its eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens offers plenty to do. Climb to the crater rim, hike subterranean lava tubes, or take a guided hike with a geologist. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest also features stunning hikes and waterfalls.
South of the capital of Olympia, Lewis County extends from Interstate 5 east to the gateway communities around Mount Rainier National Park, such as Packwood. To the west, Chehalis is known for its preserved historic buildings and the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum, which offers visitors a chance to ride on a historic steam train. In nearby Centralia, browse local boutiques or visit Fort Borst, home to Southwest Washington’s early settlers.
In the Columbia River Gorge, stop in Camas to explore the charming downtown filled with historic brick buildings and quaint shops. Head east along Highway 14, which forms part of the Lewis and Clark Trail Scenic Byway, for a pint at breweries in Carson and Stevenson. To the north, visit Kelso or Longview for museums and lakeside fun. Continuing to Washington’s coast, Raymond and Tokeland offer a taste of coastal life with historic lodging and fresh seafood.
