This route isn’t about speed or hitting a lot of landmarks. It’s about starting your day with the quiet beauty of Columbia Valley Gardens and then letting the gentle drive along Lake Sacajawea set the pace. There are no sweeping vistas or high-altitude overlooks here. What you get is a chance to see how light changes on water, the way gardens shift from morning dew to full bloom, and the small details that make up a town like Longview.

Columbia Valley Gardens

Columbia Valley Gardens is more than just flowers. It’s an experience of textures — rough bark against smooth stone, soft petals brushing your hand, the cool dampness of the Japanese Garden pond. The path isn’t always clear, so wander a bit. The rose garden is beautiful in spring, but the real surprise might be a hidden gazebo or a patch of ferns catching sunlight.

Once you’ve walked through the gardens, head towards the lake. There are benches with views, and you can get a sense of how the whole garden fits into the landscape. The Insta360 X5 captured some good slow-motion shots here, as the light filtering through the trees makes interesting patterns on the water.

Continue along the lakefront path. You’ll see families picnicking, couples taking walks, and maybe even a fisherman casting a line. This section is good for still shots; try to capture the reflections of the gardens in the water.

The lakefront path leads you back towards the main gardens, but it’s worth taking a detour onto East Kessler Boulevard for a few minutes. The houses here are mostly from the mid-20th century, with tidy lawns and interesting landscaping.

Getting There

From downtown Longview: South on Louisiana Street to Northeast Nichols Boulevard. Continue onto Northwest Nichols Boulevard, then turn left onto 18th Avenue to reach Columbia Valley Gardens. There’s a large parking lot at the entrance. No fee.