Lake Sacajawea Park | Longview

Lake Sacajawea Park is a large, scenic urban park located in Longview, Washington, covering approximately 67 acres. It serves as one of the city’s most cherished public spaces and offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational amenities, historical significance, and cultural features. The park was created in the early 1920s as part of Longview’s city planning under the guidance of its founder, Robert A. Long, who envisioned a central green space to enhance community life.

Park Formation and History

Originally, the area was a natural slough known as Fowler’s Slough, a branch of the nearby Cowlitz River. In 1924, efforts began to convert this waterway into a man-made lake surrounded by parkland. This transformation was intended to create a recreational focal point for the new city. The project involved damming the slough to form a sizable freshwater lake. The park was named after Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who played a vital role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, symbolizing exploration and connection with nature.

During the Great Depression, the park’s future was uncertain, as economic pressures prompted some proposals to sell the land for housing development. However, strong public opposition and civic pride led to the park’s preservation and eventual transfer of ownership to the city in 1938. Since then, the park has undergone numerous enhancements, evolving into a multifaceted public space.

Natural Features

Lake and Water:
At the center of the park is the 44-acre Lake Sacajawea, a man-made freshwater lake ideal for various water-based activities. The lake supports a balanced ecosystem with a variety of fish species stocked for recreational fishing, including rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. The water body also attracts many bird species, making it a popular spot for bird watching.

Wildlife:
The park is home to a diverse population of wildlife. Common mammals include river otters, beavers, raccoons, and deer. Birdlife is abundant, with resident and migratory waterfowl such as ducks, Canadian geese, wood ducks, and cormorants regularly spotted. To support wood ducks, volunteers maintain nesting boxes around the lake. This rich biodiversity adds to the park’s appeal for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Recreational Amenities

Trails:
A paved 3.5-mile loop trail circles the entire lake, offering a flat and accessible route for walking, jogging, cycling, and casual strolling. The trail’s gentle terrain and scenic views of water, trees, and wildlife make it a favorite among residents of all ages and fitness levels.

Fishing:
Fishing is a popular activity, with regulations in place to maintain sustainable fish populations. Anglers can fish year-round from the shore or small boats, abiding by local rules, including the restriction of boat motor horsepower to three or less.

Boating:
The lake permits the use of electric motorboats with a maximum of three horsepower. Due to the lack of a formal boat ramp, boaters must carry their watercraft to the lake. Non-motorized boats such as kayaks and canoes are also welcomed, providing peaceful ways to explore the water.

Picnic and Play Areas:
Multiple picnic shelters and open grassy areas provide comfortable settings for family gatherings, social events, or simply relaxing outdoors. Two well-maintained playgrounds offer children safe and engaging spaces for play.

Event Hosting:
Lake Sacajawea Park functions as a venue for various community events. One of the most notable is the annual Go 4th Festival, which includes parades, live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display, drawing large crowds and fostering community spirit.

Special Attractions

Japanese Garden:
Situated on an island within the lake and connected by a footbridge, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil space designed with traditional Japanese landscaping elements. Developed in the 1990s through community efforts, it features carefully arranged plants, stone lanterns, and water features, offering visitors a serene retreat and cultural enrichment.

Solar System Walk:
Added in 2001, this educational installation stretches along the park’s loop trail. It features plaques representing planets and celestial bodies, scaled proportionally to their real distances from the sun. This creative feature combines exercise with learning, making the trail experience unique and engaging.

Frank Willis Arboretum:
The arboretum encompasses about 119 tree species planted around the lake, each tagged with scientific and common names along with country of origin. Established in 2002, it functions as a living museum, providing botanical education and enhancing the park’s natural diversity.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Lake Sacajawea Park is centrally located and accessible via several entrances along major city streets, including Kessler and Nichols Boulevards. Parking areas are available at multiple points around the lake, accommodating visitors arriving by car. The park is open daily year-round, free of charge.

The paved trails and flat terrain make the park accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and people with limited mobility. Amenities such as restrooms and drinking fountains are distributed throughout the park to support visitor comfort.

Community and Cultural Importance

Lake Sacajawea Park serves as a vital green space that enriches the quality of life in Longview. It offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and cultural events, fostering a strong connection between residents and their natural surroundings. The park’s integration of historic preservation, natural habitats, and modern amenities exemplifies thoughtful urban planning focused on sustainability and community well-being.

The park’s continued maintenance and development reflect ongoing civic pride and community involvement, ensuring that Lake Sacajawea remains a treasured destination for generations to come.