Things To Do on an eBike in Cowlitz County, WA
Cowlitz County's eBike riding is short, flat and close to town. The longest route is the Coweeman River Trail, a 4-mile gravel levee path in Kelso. Longview has a 3.6-mile gravel loop around Lake Sacajawea and two dike and slough paths, and Castle Rock has a lighted, paved trail along the Cowlitz River.
Every route on this page is inside Cowlitz County. Washington law lets Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes use shared-use paths unless the local manager restricts them.
Where to ride in Cowlitz County
The five rides below sit in Kelso, Longview and Castle Rock. Most follow river levees, dikes or sloughs, so they are flat, and most are gravel. Only Longview's Highlands Trail and Castle Rock's east-side Riverfront Trail are paved.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Coweeman River Trail, Kelso
TrailLink lists the Coweeman River Trail at 4 miles of gravel along the west-side levee of the Coweeman River, from Evelyn Circle to 3076 Talley Way in Kelso. It passes Tam O'Shanter Park, runs through a residential area in the north, crosses under Interstate 5 several times and ends in an industrial park in the south. Three Rivers Mall is reachable from Manasco Drive or Grade Street.
The Washington Trails Association says the north trailhead on Allen Street has parking and an hourly RiverCities Transit Route 57 stop. It warns that the river can be a raging torrent in flood season, which makes the dikes hazardous, and asks users not to go down to the river from the levee.
2. Lake Sacajawea Trail, Longview
The City of Longview says a 3.6-mile gravel trail circles Lake Sacajawea Park, between Kessler and Nichols boulevards. Along the way are pedestrian bridges, fountains, the Japanese Gardens, rhododendron gardens, an arboretum, playgrounds, picnic tables and restrooms. The park page describes people walking, jogging and biking the trails in all weather.
3. Highlands Trail, Longview
The city calls the Highlands Trail one of its longest fully paved trails, at 1.3 miles. The landscaped, well-lit path runs the length of the slough between Oregon Way and Douglas Street, with access to Archie Anderson Park, and the city pitches it as a bike-friendly alternative to Industrial Way traffic.
4. Pacific Way Trail, Longview
This 2.5-mile flat, wide gravel path follows the dike beside ditch number 6 on the south side of Pacific Way, from 30th Avenue to 48th Avenue, past Mint Valley Golf Course. The city lists it as a biking alternative to busy Pacific Way. Ride quietly near tees and greens, and leave golf balls where they lie.
5. Riverfront Trail, Castle Rock
The City of Castle Rock describes a 1.7-mile lighted, paved multi-use trail on the east side of the Cowlitz River, from Lion's Pride Park north to just past the PH10 bridge, with viewing areas, benches and picnic tables. Lion's Pride Park, in the 1400 block of Huntington Avenue South, is the main trailhead, with covered picnic areas and restrooms. More trail sections run on the west side of the river.
The city's 2022 park plan says the network runs mostly along the Cowlitz River dike and is widely used by walkers, bicyclists, joggers, skateboarders and dog walkers. A bike skills park sits at the west end of Warren Street SW, just off the trail.
Washington eBike laws and route permission
RCW 46.61.710 lets Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes use shared-use paths and bike lanes, but local governments and state agencies can restrict them on facilities they control. A Class 3 eBike may not be ridden on a sidewalk unless the sidewalk is part of a bicycle or pedestrian path with no alternative, or a local ordinance allows it. Without permission from the trail manager, no eBike may use a nonmotorized trail with a natural soil tread.
Castle Rock's parks page calls the Riverfront Trail amenities nonmotorized, and none of the three cities lists a separate eBike rule for these trails. Ride a Class 1 or Class 2 at bicycle pace and follow posted signs.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Coweeman River Trail from the Allen Street trailhead past Tam O'Shanter Park and back, or circle Lake Sacajawea in Longview.
Full day: Ride the full Coweeman River Trail out and back, about 8 miles, then add the Lake Sacajawea loop and the Highlands Trail in Longview.
What not to ride in Cowlitz County
The Coweeman dikes in flood season. WTA warns that walking the dikes can be hazardous when the river runs high.
Natural-surface nonmotorized trails. State law keeps eBikes off them unless the manager allows it.
A Class 3 eBike on a sidewalk. State law bars it except where a path or local ordinance allows it.
When to ride Cowlitz County
Longview describes people on the Lake Sacajawea trails rain or shine, and the Highlands Trail and Castle Rock's east-side Riverfront Trail are both lit, which helps on short winter days. Skip the Coweeman levee when the river is in flood.
eBike shops
The cards below are local bike shops in Kelso and Woodland. Call ahead to ask about eBike sales, service or rentals.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Coweeman River Trail?
TrailLink lists it at 4 miles of gravel along the Coweeman River levee in Kelso, from Evelyn Circle to Talley Way.
Where do I park for the Coweeman River Trail?
The Washington Trails Association says the north trailhead on Allen Street has parking and an hourly RiverCities Transit stop.
Can I bike around Lake Sacajawea?
Yes. The City of Longview describes people walking, jogging and biking the 3.6-mile gravel trail around the lake.
Is there a paved trail in Cowlitz County?
Yes. Longview's Highlands Trail is 1.3 paved miles, and Castle Rock's east-side Riverfront Trail is 1.7 lighted, paved miles.
Are Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes allowed on Washington shared-use paths?
Yes, under RCW 46.61.710, unless the local jurisdiction or state agency restricts them.
Can I ride a Class 3 eBike on the sidewalk in Washington?
Generally no. RCW 46.61.710 bars it unless the sidewalk is part of a path with no alternative or a local ordinance allows it.
All eBike shops in Cowlitz County
See the Cowlitz County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Washington eBike laws guide for state rules.