Cowlitz Valley area


Area Status: Open
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District Sign

The Cowlitz Valley area is administered by the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. This area is located in the Northern most portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington, and comprises about 575,000 acres of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Cowlitz Valley area is roughly located among three volcanic peaks: Mt. Rainier to the north, Mt. Adams to the east, and Mt. St. Helens to the west. A line connecting Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens following the Boundary Trail #1 makes up the southern boundary. On clear days this trail affords spectacular views.

Nearby towns include Packwood, Glenoma, Morton and Ashford. The area has numerous campgrounds and over 500 miles of trails for a wide variety of users. Cowlitz Valley Ranger District manages four Wilderness areas including the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Glacier View Wilderness, Tatoosh Wilderness and William O Douglass Wilderness. Major River Drainages include the Cowlitz River, Clear Fork of the Cowlitz, and the Cispus River.

Nearby attractions include Mt. Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens National Monument.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: 3/7/24: We will not be open to public March 20th or April 3rd. Friday, Apri 5rd, we will close promptly at 12:30 p.m. and not reopen until Monday, April 8th. Normal hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Due to limited staffing the office may close unexpectedly. Please call ahead to confirm our hours prior to your visit at 360-497-1103.
Reservations: Our office does not handle any campground reservations. You must call 1-877-444-6777 or visit the website Recreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More .
Fees: No fees collected at trailheads, campgrounds, or recreation sites from mid October - late March. Please LEAVE NO TRACE!
Usage: Light-Medium

General Information

Directions:

Directions: The Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station is located on the south side of US Highway 12 in Randle, just west of the school. 

Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station
10024 US Highway 12,
PO Box 670
Randle, Washington 98377

Phone: (360) 497 1103
Phone/TTY: (360) 497 1101


Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Cowlitz Valley area

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Cowlitz Valley area

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Cowlitz Valley area

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Cowlitz Valley area

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Cowlitz Valley area

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Cowlitz Valley area

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Cowlitz Valley area

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Cowlitz Valley area

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Cowlitz Valley area

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Cowlitz Valley area

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Cowlitz Valley area

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Cowlitz Valley area

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Cowlitz Valley area

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Cowlitz Valley area

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Cowlitz Valley area

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Cowlitz Valley area

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Cowlitz Valley area

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Cowlitz Valley area

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Cowlitz Valley area

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Cowlitz Valley area

Snowmobiling

Areas for Snowmobiling at Cowlitz Valley area

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
46.5340

  Longitude : 
-121.9334