Longview | USA Washington

Longview is an independent city in Cowlitz County, situated at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers. It is a planned industrial city, traditionally recognized as a global leader in timber processing and maritime logistics.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Cowlitz people for millennia. Primary governance eras include its 1923 establishment by lumber baron Robert A. Long as a completely pre-planned city-the only one of its kind in the U.S. at the time. A critical historical event was the construction of the Long-Bell Lumber Mill, which was then the largest in the world. The late 20th century was defined by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which deposited massive amounts of volcanic ash and mud in the Cowlitz River, necessitating a multi-year dredging operation.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 38,000. The demographics are White (81%), Hispanic or Latino (10%), Asian (2%), and Black or African American (1%). The median age is 39.5 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city features a distinct "City Beautiful" plan characterized by wide boulevards and expansive park systems.

Civic Center: The geometric heart of the city, featuring Lake Sacajawea Park and major government buildings.

Old West Side: An affluent historic residential district featuring well-preserved 1920s architecture and tree-lined streets.

Industrial District: A massive zone along the Columbia River housing the Port of Longview and international paper mills.

Downtown: The commercial core organized along Commerce Avenue, featuring independent retail and mid-century architecture.

Top City Landmarks

Lake Sacajawea Park: A 1.5-mile long park often cited as one of the most beautiful urban green spaces in the Northwest.

Nutty Squirrel Bridge: The world's first bridge built exclusively for squirrels, located on Olympia Way.

The Columbia Theatre: A restored 1925 performing arts venue in the downtown core.

Port of Longview: The first full-service port on the Columbia River with deep-water berths for international trade.

R.A. Long High School: A 1927 Greek-style landmark building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Transportation Network

Movement is serviced by RiverCities Transit. The city is situated on WA-4 and WA-432, providing access to I-5. It is connected to Oregon via the Lewis and Clark Bridge. Amtrak service is provided via the Kelso-Longview Station in neighboring Kelso. Ride-sharing is available. Traffic density is moderate, primarily impacted by heavy freight trucking and shifts at the major mills.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is moderate. Property crime, specifically "theft from auto" and narcotics-related retail theft, is higher than the national average. Caution is advised at night in parts of the Highlands neighborhood. The Civic Center and Lake Sacajawea areas are generally safe and well-monitored. Common scams involve fraudulent "mill labor" employment listings.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds average 300 Mbps with fiber availability via Ziply Fiber and Comcast. Main mobile carriers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Card acceptance is universal. ATMs are concentrated in the Downtown core and near the Three Rivers Mall area.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from 1°C to 8°C in winter and 12°C to 26°C in summer. Characterized by high precipitation and persistent maritime cloud cover. Air quality is moderate, historically influenced by industrial mill emissions, and vulnerable to seasonal wildfire smoke.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 18–25%. A handshake is the standard greeting. Dress codes are "Industrial-Casual" (work boots and high-visibility gear are common in social settings). The city is culturally defined by its "Lumber Town" pride and its meticulously planned aesthetic.

Accommodation Zones

Downtown / Civic Center: Recommended for historic character and park access.

I-5 Corridor (Kelso/Longview border): Recommended for national hotel chains and transit convenience.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.50 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $15.00 (USD)

1 Transit Fare: $1.00 (USD).

Nearby Day Trips

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: (85 km east).

Astoria, OR / Pacific Ocean: (100 km west).

Portland, OR: (80 km south).

Facts & Legends

Longview is home to more "squirrel bridges" (6) than any other city in the world. Historically, it was the site of the world's first massive use of the "planned city" concept for an industrial workforce. A local legend involves the "Ghost of the Monticello Hotel," where guests report a spectral woman in 1920s dress. Another legend concerns "The Lost Mill Tunnels," rumored passages beneath the waterfront used to move workers during labor strikes in the early 20th century.