Travelers can get a flavor of Cowlitz County towns in a single day, if they know where to look. The Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau is compiling a list of three things to see, three places to eat and one place to stay in each town for a travel brochure available this summer. The brochures will be available online at www.visitmtsthelens.com and local chambers of commerce. Here’s a sample of an 80-mile day trip in Woodland and the Lewis River Valley:

Breakfast: Rosie’s Restaurant, 1245 Lewis River Road, Woodland. Loved by loggers, Rosie’s is known for ample breakfasts and tasty hamburgers.

First stop: Cedar Creek Grist Mill, about 10 miles east of Woodland along State Route 503 off Grist Mill Road. This restored, water-driven mill was built in 1876 and uses original mill stones and water power. The mill is in operation on weekend afternoons, and tours are available.

Second stop: Yale and Merwin Lake parks, about 20 to 40 miles east of Woodland along State Route 503. The parks at the base of two dams along the Lewis River offer open spaces and beautiful outdoor views.

Lunch: Cougar Bar and Grill or Lone Fir Resort, both on the 16800 block of Lewis River Road in Cougar.

Third stop: Lelooska Cultural Center, 165 Merwin Village Road, about 9 miles east of Woodland along State Route 503. The museum offers tours by appointment of various Native American artifacts and cultural history.

Dinner: Pick your ethnic treat in Woodland — Mexican food at Los Pepe’s on 611 Goerig Road, pizza and ice cream at Gillianno’s at 1147 N. Goerig Road or Thai food at Mali Thai on 1251 Lewis River Road.

Lodging: Lewis River Bed and Breakfast, at 2339 Lewis River Road, or Lewis River Inn, 1100 Lewis River Road in Woodland.

Additional side trips:

• Ape Caves, east of junction of Forest Roads 90 and 83

• Curley Creek and Big Creek Falls, just off Forest Road 90 to east of Swift Reservoir

• Trail of two forests, a short, wheelchair-accessible hike along the Muddy River in the Cedar Flats area. Off Forest Road 25 miles about four miles north of junction with Forest Road 90.

• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. Steam train in Yacolt area takes tours of forests and a waterfall. Original railroad finished in 1903 to move wheat and timber. Call 360-686-3559 for information or check out www.bycx.com.

Source: Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau

Related links:

Tough times could be good sign for local tourism

'Columbia Views': New publication promotes local tourism industry