Lake Sacajawea Living

Lake Sacajawea, located in the heart of Longview, sits on 127 acres and provides residents with year-round activities for all ages to enjoy including fishing, kayaking, picnic areas, outdoor movies, live music, boating, beautiful gardens, and festivals.

Lake Sacajawea Longview, WA 

History

The lake formed when water flowing between the Cowlitz River and the Columbia River changed course. Today, the water level is maintained by pumping water out of the Cowlitz River into a ditch that flows into the north end of the lake. The overflow, located on the south end of the lake, exits into a diking system and ultimately the Columbia River.

In 1924, Lake Sacajawea was privately developed as a park and maintained for more than a decade.

Photo Courtesy of the Cowlitz County Historical Museum

With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930's the owner fell behind on property taxes forcing the City to take over in 1938.

In 1939, World War II started, and the ongoing maintenance of the lake severely declined. After the war ended in 1945, the City refocused its maintenance efforts. In 1948 and 1949 the lake was chemically treated to remove the indigenous carp that had taken over, and by 1950 the City stocked the lake with 40,000 trout for the first time.

In 1952, algae growth, low oxygen levels, and stagnation created a new problem for the lake. Beginning in 1953, the City started to pump water from the Cowlitz River into the lake to address the issue.

Activities

Lake Sacajawea Trail is a 3.6-mile lighted gravel trail that circles the lake. Residents enjoy walking, jogging, and biking while taking in the beautiful landscaping and gardens.

Lake Sacajawea Trail

Year-round fishing provides anglers the opportunity to catch largemouth bass, trout, bluegill, and yellow perch. A valid fishing license is required. Children can enjoy an annual fishing derby organized by Longview Parks and Recreation. 

Boating and kayaking are permitted. Residents are allowed to use electric boat motors that are three horsepower or less. You are required to carry your boat from the street down to the lake.

Picnic shelters and playgrounds are located throughout the park. Residents can either take advantage of the covered areas, open area picnic tables, or throw out a blanket on the lawn. You'll find playgrounds at the Hemlock Plaza, 17th & Nichols Blvd, and the Elk's building.

Weddings at the lake are permitted at several locations. Residents interested in holding a wedding or event at the park can contact the Longview Parks and Recreation at 360.442.5400 or review the rental application.

The Japanese Garden was the idea of the former Longview Parks Superintendent, Al George. Today, the authentic lush garden is full of plants, trees, ponds, and structures of beauty.

Japanese Garden Lake Sacajawea

Japanese Garden Bridge

Movies at the lake take place each year, usually in August. Activities begin at 6 pm and include games, prizes, and food. Movies are played at Martin's Dock and start at dusk.

Concerts at the lake is an annual event which takes place in July and August every Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner or purchase food and drinks from local vendors.

Martin's Dock Lake Sacajawea

Go Fourth Festival is the most significant event that takes place at the lake each year. The Go Fourth Festival is a celebration of Independence Day and begins on the 2nd of July and ends on the fourth of July with the largest fireworks display in Cowlitz County. 

Living at the Lake

Four residential neighborhoods surround Lake Sacajawea. They include the Old & New West Side, Olympic, and St. Helens. Buyers looking to live around the lake will find mostly single-family residential homes along with a few multi-family and condominium units.

The Old West Side Neighborhood Longview

Even though none of the homes around the lake are considered lakefront, residents living on Kessler and Nichols Blvd have lake views and simply walk across the street to enjoy everything Lake Sacajawea has to offer.

The Old West Side neighborhood is located on the NE side of the lake and is the closest neighborhood to Lower Columbia College. Homebuyers will find older, though often updated, and well-maintained homes. Public transportation runs throughout the area, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the City. In the last twelve months, the average sales price was $290,907, according to the Northwest MLS.

The New West Side neighborhood is located on the SE side of the lake and is closet area to PeaceHealth St Johns Medical Center. Homebuyers will find homes similar to the Old West Side, although homes tend to be a little smaller and prices tend to be more affordable. In the last twelve months, the average sales price was $248,439, according to the Northwest MLS.

The St Helens neighborhood is located on the SW side of the lake and compared to the Old and New West Side; homes tend to fit in a more affordable budget for first-time homebuyers. In the last twelve months, the average sales price was $204,774, according to the Northwest MLS.

The Olympic neighborhood is located on the NW side of the lake. Homebuyers will find very similar homes compared to St Helen's with an average home offering 3 bedrooms, 1.25 bathrooms, and 1,158 square feet. R.A. Long High School sits in the center of the area. In the last twelve months, the average sales price was $226,910, according to the Northwest MLS.

Real Estate for Sale around Lake Sacajawea