Location: Castle Rock
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The 10 Best Things to do in Castle Rock, Washington (WA)
Castle Rock is a city in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. Located between the Willapa Hills and western base of Mount St. Helens, Castle Rock is at the heart of Washington timber country in the Pacific temperate rain forest. Castle Rock is part of the Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area; the population was 1,982 as of the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Castle Rock
1. Mt St Helens Cellars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Mount St Helens Creation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
A biblical and scientific interpretative Visitors' Center, with exhibits, presentations, and a bookstore; we organize excursions to all sides of the volcano, as well as other hikes and days out.
3. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By StevoinMinnesoto - Cottage Grove, United States
Located about 40 miles east of the visitor center on winding roads, this is the only way to and from I-5 so you have to take the same road down as you took up. The views on this road are quite spectacular and you get glimpses of the volcano on your way up before finally ending up in different parking lots that offer unrestricted views that take your breath away when you realize this happened in just seconds. We hiked one of the trails that led to the last parking lot but only made it a bit more than halfway as the trail became very narrow with a tremendous drop off if you slipped on the sand. There was nothing to grab onto if you did slip and the bottom was probably over 100 feet down. That being said, we can highly recommend this Monument. It's spectacular.
4. Spirit Lake Memorial Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
A broad scenic route stretching from I-5 right through the Mount St. Helens blast area.
Reviewed By csarchibald - San Marcos, United States
From the Mt. St. Helens Visitor center to the Johnston Observatory, you take a scenic drive along the Spirit Lake Highway. The wildflowers were in bloom everywhere and the views were incredible. There are several pullouts (viewpoints) along the way with great views of the mountain and the surroundings.
5. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
This Forest Service facility gives an overview of Cascade Range volcanism and the events before and after May 18, 1980.
Reviewed By Tiztaz - Whidbey Island, United States
We left Whidbey Island for a road trip to Castle Rook to check out the Mt. St. Helen's Area. Although there was a $5 entrance fee to the center, it is worth it. We always take advantage of the movies that centers like this often have, showcasing the area and we weren't disappointed. Movie showed the volcano and area prior to it erupting and flooding aftermath. You just can't imagine what it must have been like to be near such a catastrophe waiting to happen and how it affected the area. Very interesting displays of everything leading up to and after the eruption. Also next to the center is a trail leading to a nature boardwalk over Silver Lake with views of the mountain in the distance. Lots of blooming lily pads and birds along the walk. Enjoyed the gift shop as well. Well worth the visit to this center (museum and theatre).
6. Loowit Trail #216
7. Hummocks Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By williambP3663QA - Frisco, United States
I've hiked this trail twice, with my younger son in the late fall a few years ago during a light snow and in late June with my older son. It gives a sense of the scale of the landslide that happened during the 1980 eruption. Looking at the large hummocks and then turning to Mt. St. Helens and realizing these house sized boulders were sent hurtling down the mountain in the landslide was quite impressive. On both occasions we saw wildlife. Notably Elk on the hike in the fall - we were able to see a group of Elk (one bull and four cows) on several occasions on the hike although they stayed far enough to prevent getting any good pictures. On the hike this summer, we saw two deer and were able to get very close (see pictures). It's not a difficult hike, okay for younger kids and worth the time. Another reviewer suggested going to the visitor center and/or Johnston Ridge first. I completely agree with this advice. Definitely want to get a good view of the mountain and a sense of the scale of what happened before this hike. Definitely worthwhile if your schedule allows.
8. The Gardens at Stillmeadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
9. Johnston Ridge Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By biarritz99 - San Diego, United States
This visitor center has a wonderful view directly of the volcano and the valley below. The movie is worthwhile and there are many interesting exhibits. Even the drive up the mountain is interesting though it takes about an hour from highway 5. We waited for a clear day to make the trip fearing on other trips that the mountain would be obscured by clouds.
10. Seaquest State Park
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