Willow Grove launch

Go Harley · 03-15-2004, 06:44 PM

Can I get directions to the launch at Willow Grove in Longview, please?

I'm guessing you have to drive through town, so is it just as easy to launch at Kalama and run to the Longview area?

Thanks.

FishCatcher · 03-15-2004, 07:01 PM

http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/default.asp

From Longview, W on SR 4; after mile marker 52, go left on SR 432 (Mt. Solo Rd); go .8 mi; turn right on Willow Grove Rd; go 4 mi; turn left at entrance to park.

Silver Hilton · 03-15-2004, 07:07 PM

Harley, Kalama will be closer. Going through the streetlights of Longview takes longer than the drive to Kalama. If you have a sled, you can use Gearhart gardens in longview. Kalama is a six mile run from the mouth of the Cow/downtown Longview.

Conspiracy Theory · 03-15-2004, 10:03 PM

If you are coming from I-5 you can miss most of the stop lights in Longview by using Industrial Way. That is the truck route through Longview.

From Hwy 30 - After crossing the Longview/Rainier bridge at the signal light take a left onto Industrial Way. Now follow the the directions below from where it says you can see the Longview/Rainier bridge.

From I-5 take exit 36 and head west (this is Tennant Way). Approx. 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile after crossing the railroad tracks in the road take the exit on the right - exit is before the overpass. Sorry don't know what the sign says (it may reference Oregon as this is how you can get to the Longview/Rainier bridge also). After going off Tennant way at the signal light turn left.

This is Third Ave. After approx. 1/2 mile the road will take a sweeping right turn. It turns into Industrial Way in this corner. Go approx. 1 1/2 miles. You will pass a Les Schwab on the right. About 1/2 mile past Les Scwab you will cross Oregon Way. That is the road that goes over the Longview/Rainier bridge (you can see the bridge on left).

Go approx 4 or 5 more miles and you should see a slough on the left of the road. (You will pass a few mills including the now defunct Reynolds Aluminum). Follow the road past the funeral home. Do NOT take a right turn onto Mt Solo Rd.

Approx. 1/2 mile past the funeral home the road takes a sweeping right hand curve. In the middle of this sweeping right hand curve is the intersection for Willow Grove Rd. There should be a boat launch sign. Take a left onto Willow Grove Rd. Approx. 1 1/2 miles you will see the marina on the left. Go approx. 3/4 mile past the marina and there will be a sign for the boat launch. Take a left and there you are.

This route will be much faster than going through Longview via Ocean Beach Hwy.

One more disclaimer. These mile estimates are from looking at a map. So don't take them for exact. These directions should get you there without too much problems. If all else fails stop and ask directions. Everyone should be able to tell you how to get back on track.

Good luck

greenbuttskunk · 03-16-2004, 06:04 AM

hey big guy, GBS here.
How are ya?. It's been a long time since I've heard a peep from you. Been brewing. Come on down sometime and I'll get you out in the new boat.
Take care,
Brad

barnettm · 03-16-2004, 10:16 AM

Isn't there a shortcut over the hill from Castle Rock to Highway 4? I see some kind of road on my map but have never had the opportunity to check it out.

Go Harley · 03-16-2004, 10:33 AM

Thanks all.

GBS - got a new boat, eh? Cool deal. I'll have to get down there and go for a ride in it. Maybe when you do the OC area for springers you'll have a seat? I got a new 2-tier brew system using converted Sankes that I've been brewing with. Got about 30 gallons sitting around the house now. :grin:

steelheadslayer · 03-16-2004, 01:58 PM

Go Harley and Barn, how familiar are you with this area? The shortcut can be a real pain in the rear if you're pulling a bigger boat, twisty with lots of sharp corners. I'd just come straight down I5 and take the exits marked Ocean Beaches if that's what they say, I can't remember. When are you planning on coming down? If the time is OK with me, I'll meeet you somewhere and drive you through town. Email me when you know what your plans are and maybe I can help you out.

[ 03-16-2004, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: steelheadslayer ]

greenbuttskunk · 03-16-2004, 03:06 PM

Rick, sure thing. would be good to fish with you again. I just saw a pic of our gator trip last summer to astoria. That was a blast. Drop me a note and I'll save a seat for ya.
cheers,
Brad

HntnFsh · 03-16-2004, 06:35 PM

The route your talking about is about a 1/2 mile south of 4 corners in Castle Rock.Its Delameter rd.The first right ,s. of for corners. It is windy and hilly.But we take it all the time.You come out at the light where you go straight across sr 4 then take the next right to Willow Grove.
During the week when theres a lot of traffic in town this is quiker.If its an early morning when traffic is light in Longview its about the same.

glowball · 03-16-2004, 06:43 PM

Last Saturday I was following a boat on its way to Cathlamet. They took I5 all the way and I took the backroads through castlerock. I had a little accident with my boat fender and stopped to check it out, and still ended up getting my boat in the water before they hit the launch. Much quicker.

Just like mentioned before turn left at the 4 corners store and go about half mile and turn right. Stay on that all the way to the stop light. Hang a right for cathlamet and go straight for willow grove. It is a windy road, but there isn't much traffic on it. Expecially in the am.

If you don't know where 4 corners is you take the castle rock exit go right at light. Turn right at second stop sign. Go over cowlitz river and next stop is the 4 corner intersection.

Kris