Toledo, WA

Set right along the Cowlitz River in Lewis County, Toledo is a quiet rural town with a rich riverboat heritage. Originally known as Cowlitz Landing, it served as a key transit stop for paddle steamers traveling between Portland and Puget Sound throughout the nineteenth century. The boats are gone now, but the scenic riverfront remains the heart of the community, giving residents peaceful water views, plenty of open green space, and a relaxed pace within easy reach of Interstate 5.

ATTRRocky Kolberg / CC BY-SA 3.0

Today, Toledo is known for its tight-knit feel and quirky local traditions. The town’s signature event is Toledo Cheese Days, an annual July festival running for over a century that features parades, barbecues, car shows, and a giant cheese-ball drop. For everyday recreation, South County Regional Park offers boat launches and fishing spots right on the river, while Kemp Olson Memorial Park and the local schools host community sports and weekend gatherings. It is a welcoming, down-to-earth spot for anyone looking to put down roots in a classic small town.