Cowlitz River in Longview — Live Webcam Online
History and Origin of the Cowlitz River Name
The Cowlitz River is a waterway whose name is rooted in the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Northwest. The name derives from the word "tawallitch" from the Salish Indian language, which possibly means "capturing the breath of healing" or "capturing spiritual power". There are also alternative translations — "river of shifting sands" and "seeker" in a spiritual sense. These interpretations reflect the deep sacred significance the river held for local tribes for millennia.
The Cowlitz Indian tribe caught eulachon in the river for centuries — a small fish from the smelt family that remains an important part of the waterway's ecosystem to this day. The fish was not only a food source but also part of the cultural rituals of the indigenous peoples of the region.
Geography and Hydrology of the Waterway
The length of the Cowlitz River is 169 km (105 miles), and its drainage basin covers approximately 6698 km² (2586 square miles). The river originates in the Cascade Mountains and flows into the Columbia River, serving as its right tributary in the southwestern part of Washington State. The Cowlitz tributaries drain from three famous volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range — Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens.
The river's watershed encompasses diverse landscapes — from alpine meadows and glaciers on the volcanic peaks to dense coniferous forests and floodplain areas in the lower reaches. It is this diversity that makes the Cowlitz River one of the most scenic waterways in the region.
Longview — The City at the Confluence of Two Great Rivers
The city of Longview is located at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, 50 miles (80 km) north of Portland, Oregon. According to the 2025 census, the city's population is 38,362 people. Longview is part of the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) of Cowlitz and is among the largest cities in the county.
Longview was founded in 1923 as a planned industrial city by Robert A. Long of the Long-Bell Lumber Company. Long dreamed of creating the "Chicago of the West" — a major industrial center with sawmills and developed infrastructure. The ambitious project came to life: the city quickly became an important transportation hub of the region.
The Port of Longview is located on the Columbia River, 66 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and is the first full-service port on the navigable channel with intermodal connections. This established the city as a key logistics hub on the Northwest Pacific coast of the United States.
Fish Hatchery and Salmon Conservation
The Cowlitz River is home to the large Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, which began operations in 1968 and at the time was the largest of its kind in the world. Today it produces nearly 13 million fish annually, playing a critical role in restoring Pacific salmon populations in the Columbia River basin.
The hatchery works with several species of salmonids, including Chinook, Coho, and steelhead. Artificial propagation programs help compensate for the loss of natural spawning grounds caused by dam construction and river channel modifications.
Fish and Wildlife of the Cowlitz River
The Cowlitz River is home to various fish species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout, as well as eulachon (smelt). The biodiversity of the waterway is maintained through extensive floodplain areas and tributaries draining from volcanic slopes.
The riverbanks serve as habitat for numerous bird species. Here you can observe bald eagles, various herons, kingfishers, and waterfowl. Deer, beavers, otters, and other mammals are found in the coastal thickets. The Cowlitz River is one of the best corridors for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation throughout Cowlitz County.
Recreation and Water Tourism
The Cowlitz River is actively used for recreational fishing — spinning, fly fishing, and salmon fishing is open from the mouth of the Columbia River to the Interstate-5 bridge. Spring Chinook typically appears in large numbers by late March and April, attracting anglers from across the Northwest.
In addition to fishing, the river is popular for kayaking, tubing, and rafting. Sections with fast currents alternate with calm backwaters, making the waterway accessible to both experienced paddlers and beginners. The rivershore infrastructure includes docks, boat launch sites, and equipped picnic areas.
Climate and Seasonal Features of the Region
Southwestern Washington is characterized by a maritime climate with cool, wet conditions and mild winters. The Cowlitz River is most full-flowing in spring — during the snowmelt period on the slopes of the Cascade Mountains. In summer, the water level drops, exposing gravel bars and sandbars.
In autumn, the river transforms: deciduous trees along the banks turn golden and crimson, and schools of spawning salmon attract bears and eagles. In winter, the water level can rise significantly during storms, while in dry periods the river returns to its channel.
What You Can See on the Camera
The online camera broadcasts a view of the Cowlitz River in the city of Longview, Washington. On the water surface, you can observe a small motorboat with a person standing on it. A significant portion of the image is covered by haze characteristic of the region, which substantially reduces visibility of distant objects and the shoreline — a typical phenomenon for foggy mornings in the Columbia River valley.
In the upper part of the frame, there is a text overlay with the date, time, and camera name. The real-time webcam allows you to assess the current state of the waterway — water level, presence of haze or precipitation, and activity on the river. At different times of day, the Cowlitz River looks completely different: morning fog gives way to daytime haze, and in the evening the sunset paints the water in warm tones.
