The route from Longview doesn't offer big vistas or mountain passes. There are no roadside attractions in the traditional sense. What it has is a gentle rise through farms, fields, and pockets of old-growth forest along quiet backroads.

Starting Your Adventure in Cowlitz County

Longview is a small town built around a historic downtown, mostly brick and wood storefronts that have been there for decades. There's a coffee shop on Allen Street with decent pastries. Fuel up there before you head out.

A Scenic Journey on Willow Grove Road

Willow Grove Road is a narrow two-lane, mostly paved with some gravel sections. A few houses along the way, usually set back behind mature trees. Speed limit runs around 35, which is about right for looking around.

Reaching Willow Grove Park

The park sits on a rise overlooking farmland. Picnic tables scattered throughout, plus a couple of reservable shelters. The trails wind through second-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock with glimpses of water in a few spots.

Notes on Filming

The light window is narrow, especially later in the morning. Between 8 and 10 is best, while there's still diffused light coming through the canopy.

I used the Insta360 X5 for moving shots on the road and the Fujifilm X-T2 for stills in the park. FlowState handled the gravel without complaint. The X-T2 did the harder job, holding detail between the shaded trail and the open field behind it.

Getting There

From downtown Longview: east on Allen Street, then south onto Willow Grove Road. Parking area is about 3 miles in on your left. No fee.