Cougar

Travel Guide

This year marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens. As you can imagine, the place is buzzing with tourists even more so than usual. But if all you want to do is get a clear look at a mighty big chunk of it, you could do worse than to travel the back roads around Cougar and look up from time to time. This photo was taken at the Yale Reservoir, probably about 3 or 4 miles outside Cougar, Washington. There are trails and vantage points all through the area, some of them marked, some, not so much. If you don't like the view in one place, just move onto the next. And if you feel the tug too hard from the visitor centers and the souvenir shop, they're just a short drive away. But give the countryside a try first. The views are so beautiful, you may never get to those tourist centers after all.
This year marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens. As you can imagine, the place is buzzing with tourists even more so than usual. But if all you want to do is get a clear look at a mighty big chunk of it, you could do worse than to travel the back roads around Cougar and look up from time to time. This photo was taken at the Yale Reservoir, probably about 3 or 4 miles outside Cougar, Washington. There are trails and vantage points all through the area, some of them marked, some, not so much. If you don't like the view in one place, just move onto the next. And if you feel the tug too hard from the visitor centers and the souvenir shop, they're just a short drive away. But give the countryside a try first. The views are so beautiful, you may never get to those tourist centers after all.
2016
Rocky Mountain Elk Almost forgot about this. I've been combing through my old files to find a specific one and I ran across this fellow. He was right where the man who contracts out all the wildlife gardening for SW Washington told me he would be. In the summer, the large elk herds we're all familiar with tend to break up into smaller units of about 10-12 members, each run by a matriarchal leader. They roam the lowlands while the lone males bumble about wherever they please (usually in the mountains). This young male was part of one of those smaller groups, which I saw in its entirety after he and a female he was grazing with took off into the woods. Note: PacifiCorp (a utility holding company) and the State are partnering up to create a Rocky Mountain Elk sanctuary in the area surrounding some of the Company's old dams and adjacent property.
Lone Fir Resort

Lone Fir Resort

3 out of 5
16806 Lewis River Rd. Cougar WA
The price is RM539 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
RM539
RM592 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Cougar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attraction ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (393 reviews)
Very large 3 room apartment, quaint, quiet, and excellently appointed. Onsite manager was very nice and very helpful in pointing out places of interest (he was also an excellent cook and laid out/ prepared a wonderful. One of the very best places we’ve had the pleasure of staying in

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Lone Fir Resort
Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!

Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!

3 out of 5
Ariel WA
Stay at this cottage in Ariel. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Ape Caves and Toutle River are located nearby.
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Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!
Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views

Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views

3 out of 5
Woodland WA
Stay at this cottage in Woodland. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar Creek Grist Mill and Woodland Motocross Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Very clean and cozy! The host was amazing and the little details made you feel like you were at home. Beautiful river and outdoor spaces. Quiet and very peaceful. Highly recommend staying here.

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

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Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views
See all 36 properties in Cougar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!

Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!

3 out of 5
Ariel WA
Stay at this cottage in Ariel. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Ape Caves and Toutle River are located nearby.
Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!
Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views

Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views

3 out of 5
Woodland WA
Stay at this cottage in Woodland. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar Creek Grist Mill and Woodland Motocross Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Very clean and cozy! The host was amazing and the little details made you feel like you were at home. Beautiful river and outdoor spaces. Quiet and very peaceful. Highly recommend staying here.

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views
Pet-friendly La Center Home ~ 6 Mi to Casinos

Pet-friendly La Center Home ~ 6 Mi to Casinos

3 out of 5
34911 NE 94th Ave La Center WA
Stay at this cottage in La Center. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a pool table. Popular attractions Cedar Creek Grist Mill and Bethany Vineyard and Winery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
We loved it.

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Pet-friendly La Center Home ~ 6 Mi to Casinos
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.