Discover Longview
12 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
1301-1311 15th Avenue
Longview, Washington, is a charming destination for photographers, highlighted by the picturesque Lake Sacajawea Park. The park features Japanese gardens, multiple bridges, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime spot for nature and wildlife photography. Additionally, the city's unique squirrel bridges and historic downtown offer interesting architectural and street photography opportunities within a peaceful urban setting.
822 18th Avenue
A typical Longview streetscape address offering opportunities to capture Pacific Northwest small‑town architecture, seasonal street trees and everyday urban details. Best visited at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on façades and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed compositions. On‑street parking is common; respect private property and shoot from public sidewalks. Expect changeable weather—carry rain protection and a polarizer for wet foliage contrast.
Lake Sacajawea Park Japanese Gardens
Compact, serene Japanese garden within Lake Sacajawea Park—photograph koi ponds, stone lanterns, arched bridges, manicured maples and mossy stones. Best in spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (maple color); golden hour or soft overcast light for saturated foliage and calm reflections. Free entry, park lot nearby, wheelchair-accessible paved paths in parts; visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid families and joggers. The design offers intimate compositions and cultural details reflecting wabi-sā
Roy Morse Park, Longview, WA
Small waterfront park on the Columbia River offering broad river vistas, shoreline textures (driftwood, rocks), seasonal waterfowl and industrial-port silhouettes. Best at golden hour and sunset for warm light and reflections; early mornings bring fog and calmer water. Easy roadside parking on Solo Point Dr, no entry fee, short flat paths make it accessible; expect breezy conditions and occasional anglers and boat traffic—use these elements for storytelling.
Bruce Kamp Memorial Squirrel Bridge
A whimsical pedestrian-sized ‘squirrel bridge’ spanning Kessler Blvd — ideal for close-up wildlife shots, environmental storytelling and quirky urban compositions. Best at early morning or late afternoon for active squirrels and soft light. Street-side access with sidewalks and nearby parking; no entry fee. Weekdays have lighter traffic; watch for cars when shooting from the road. Great for capturing local character and scale contrasts between tiny bridge, wildlife and human infrastructure.
Nutty Narrows - Squirrel Bridges
Photograph the whimsical Nutty Narrows squirrel bridges — colorful, small-scale public art strung across a busy road. Capture close-ups of textures and signage, wider contextual shots showing the bridges above traffic and nearby shops, and seasonal foliage framing the scene. Best at golden hour or overcast light for even tones; weekdays are quieter. Street parking is available; site is free and fully accessible. A beloved local, safety-focused landmark with a playful community story.
Rose Test Garden Longview
Compact public rose garden showcasing dozens of cultivars and formal beds — ideal for close-up florals, color studies, and gentle landscape compositions. Best late spring–summer when roses bloom; visit at sunrise or golden hour for soft backlight and fewer visitors. Grounds are park-like with paved paths and street parking on Louisiana St; typically no entry fee. Expect variable Pacific Northwest weather; bring rain protection for gear.
Longview Civic Circle Park
Small civic circle park centered on a landscaped roundabout, mature trees, walkways and civic monuments — good for intimate urban-landscape frames, seasonal foliage and people-in-space compositions. Easy street parking on Broadway; free public access with paved paths and wheelchair-friendly areas. Best light at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side-light on trees and monuments. Weekday mornings offer fewer people; spring and fall show best colors.
Monticello Convention Site Park
Small riverfront park in Longview with open lawns, river and bridge views — good for waterscape and landscape shots, event and community photos. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on water; evenings yield colorful skies. Easy roadside access and free parking; flat, wheelchair-accessible paths. No entry fee; expect more visitors during weekends and summer events. Bring wind protection in cooler months.
Safety Awareness Squirrel Bridge
A quirky pedestrian bridge and local landmark celebrating squirrel safety — great for environmental portraits, small-scale architectural frames, and candid wildlife shots. Best at golden hour or soft overcast for even light. Street parking and short walk from Kessler Blvd; wheelchair-accessible approaches. Weekday mornings are quieter. Small scale and community charm make it unique for storytelling images.
Windemere Park
Small neighborhood park with ponds, mature trees and walking paths offering reflective waterscapes, seasonal foliage and intimate nature scenes. Easy roadside parking on Buckskin Pl, free access, and compact trails—ideal for quick golden-hour shoots or practicing compositions. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for low light and vivid reflections; weekdays are quieter. Accessible paths but bring macro gear for detail shots of flora.
Altrusa Park
Small community park with open lawns, mature trees, playground structures and picnic shelters — good for environmental portraits, family scenes, close-ups of foliage and simple landscape compositions. Easy, no-fee access with on-site parking; wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Visit at golden hour for soft light and long shadows, or weekday mornings to avoid families and sports activity. Weather is typically cool and overcast much of the year, offering even light for portraits.