Boat Launch near Longview

ScottD · 02-10-2002, 08:06 AM

On my way home from the Sportsman show in Portland I tried to find the boat launch on the Columbia River at Longview but I must not be able to remember correctly where it is. Its been about 10 years since I launched there so I guess I must have forgotten how to get there.

Can somebody explain how to get to the launch?

The launch at the Port of Kalama is a possibility but I launched there twice in the last couple of years and I didn't like how steep the ramp was. :smile:

fishchaser · 02-10-2002, 08:10 AM

You head for the bridge in Longview. Just before the bridge there is a light. Head North on that road, at the light. Go up about 5 miles and you will see it there on your left, past the aluminum plant.

Good luck

bait boy · 02-10-2002, 08:16 AM

The access at the old Weyerhaeuser launch is closed and has been for about 2 years. The new launch is along that same road. follow the signs for the Willow grove launch it is a really nice launch, but it is a ways from the trojan area. another place to launch is at Goble in between St Helens and Rainier, Or.

Forgot the launch at rainier Or, it is not great during big tide swings especially lows. but its ok

[ 02-10-2002, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: bait boy ]

24 on/ 48 off · 02-10-2002, 08:16 AM

How about just going across the bridge to Rainier? Right in the middle of town is an excellent public ramp.

--spud-- :smile:

ScottD · 02-10-2002, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the information. If the old ramp is closed then that explains why it didn't look right last night.

I don't mind making a long run so the new launch will be worth looking into. But I was thinking of launching there to fish near the mouth of the Cowlitz and even farther down river. (Probably in a couple weeks)

Snake9t9 · 02-11-2002, 04:04 AM

If your looking to launch on the Washington side to head for trojan...how about launching at Kalama? Nice ramp at the marina.

Jim · 02-11-2002, 05:25 AM

Scott,
There is a launch on the Cowlitz that is just upstream from the mouth...take the Longview Industrial exit off of I-5 and then take the Dike road and turn right then take the first road to the left...there is a sign that says Gearhart Park or something to that effect. When you launch there make sure you run upstream tight to the ramp side of the river for about 100 yards then you can cut over to the other side...otherwise you will be pulling your boat off of a sandbar.

Questions? email me at runwildrivers@yahoo.com

Jim

ScottD · 02-11-2002, 06:42 PM

Snake, I may end up launching at Kalama but I don't like how steep the ramp is.

Jim, I don't have a jet pump. Is the river deep enough for a prop through there? :whazzup:

Twoshottom · 02-11-2002, 09:20 PM

Scott,
I don't know how big of a boat you have but I would stick with Willow Grove in Longview, Rainier or Kalama. If you do try it, get across the river and stay along the bank down to the Columbia like Jim recommended, although from the launch I usually head almost straight across.

The new launch at Willow Grove is a great facility. Good parking and four ramps. Cost is $3 to launch or you can get a yearly pass for $30. It was a crowded place during springer season last year.

Jim · 02-11-2002, 09:31 PM

Two, it is not good practice to head straight across from the ramp at Gearhart...saw a brand new (maiden voyage) North River stick it at low tide.

Scott, many people launch there with a prop but it would be better to do it with someone who knows. If you are wanting to be close to the Mouth of the Cowlitz then the easiest after Gearhart is Rainier...almost straight across from the Cow. Willow Grove while really nice is bit of a run.

I will more than likely be there Wednesday...when are you going?

Jim

ScottD · 02-12-2002, 04:31 AM

This will be my first year trying for Springers. I am just trying to get most everything figured out as soon as possible. I was hoping to go down this Friday but it now looks like I will have to work. :depressed: I might just go down on Saturday and get a feel for things.

Is there any reports of Springers heading into the Cowlitz yet?

WaterDog · 02-12-2002, 06:07 AM

Has the ramp at rainier been improved? :whazzup: I launched there once about 3 years ago and have never been back.

The dock was old and very slippery, no bumpers, only 2 at a time in the ramp provided someone didnt go down the middle, and the parking, well what parking.

Kalama is a very nice facility that will launch any boat with a trailer under it. :smile: