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Castle Rock, Washington was founded in 1883 and took its name from the rocky upthrust south of town long known as Castle Rock. Located within 50 miles of Mount St. Helens, Portland and Olympia, this friendly community features comfortable lodging choices and a picturesque downtown.
Recognized as the “Gateway to Mount St. Helens,” Castle Rock is located on Interstate 5 between Exits 48 and 49. Scenic (SR-504) Spirit Lake Memorial Highway originates in Castle Rock and provides access to the dramatic landscapes of the Toutle River Valley and Mount St. Helens. Founded in 1854, the town’s namesake, a 150 foot-high rock, was a landmark for Cowlitz Indians and Hudson Bay traders as early as 1832.
Today, Castle Rock is an active community of 2,100 divided geographically by Interstate 5. Downtown Castle Rock is located along the Cowlitz River west of Interstate 5. It is accessible at Exits 48 and 49 as well as SR-504. Downtown areas of interest include the Castle Rock Exhibit Hall (with historic displays and exhibits relating to Mount St. Helens), Harry Truman Memorial Park, unique shops, restaurants, grocery stores and other service related businesses. Area of Growth & Opportunity The area east of Interstate 5 at Exit 49 reflects a growing, more contemporary Castle Rock. Its offerings include several modern motels, service stations, fast-food restaurants and gift shops. Castle Rock hosts exciting events throughout the year, including Mountain Mania, Castle Rock Community Fair, professional motorcycle racing, an antique car show and is a popular destination for fishermen, as the Cowlitz River and surrounding streams and lakes provide some of the finest fishing in the state.
Visitors will enjoy and should plan to use Castle Rock as the hub for all of their regional activities.
Special Thanks to the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau for providing info and photos for this page.
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