View Full Version : Alternate to Rainier Launch
BottomFeeder
08-03-2002, 01:01 PM
The Rainier launch is starting to get a little squishy at low tide. I know there is an alternate launch on the WA side, but how do you get there?
Thanks,
TPM
No Wishin Just Fishin
08-03-2002, 03:15 PM
Depends on your boat. There are 2 plaes. One is up in the cowlitz just up from the bridge on west side of the Cowlitz. I usually put in at Kalama and run down the river. Kalama ramp is best double wide and lots of parking. Both of these are free
Twoshottom
08-03-2002, 09:54 PM
The launch on the Cowlitz is at Gearhart Gardens. Take exit 36 off of I-5 which circles back over I-5 and heads west. Take the first exit just after you cross over the bridge. Take a right at the stop sign and a quick left into the park. It can be shallow at low tide so it depends what kind of boat you're trying to launch and run down river with.
About three weeks ago our truck got broke into at this ramp and I know this has been a problem in the past.
bait boy
08-03-2002, 10:24 PM
Dont forget about the Willow Grove launch. if you go to the crossroads at the bridge in longview or rainier and go towards the paper mills about 5 miles down on the left hand side there is a sign that denotes the Willow Grove launch it is pretty nice. its a little further down river so keep that in mind when launching. I too usually launch at Kalama and run down but if the other launch is closer then go there. I don't really care for the steepness of the Kalama launch as I usually end up sliding halfway down, and if its icy its downright treacherous.
Willow Grove launch is awesome. It's only a couple of years old and has acres of asphalt and concrete!
But if you go out Sunday watch out for the Gillnetters, they will be out from the Longview bridge on down! :mad: