Deputies told ABC News they believed the sea lion reached the area after it traveled up a nearby creek from the mouth of the Cowlitz River.

\"PHOTO:
Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office
PHOTO: Cowlitz County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area of Garlock Rd, outside of Castle Rock, Washington for a report of a sea lion in the road.
>

In addition to the sheriff's deputies, the Humane Society and Cowlitz County Public Works staff arrived on the scene and waited until the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was able to respond with a trailer and staff to capture and relocate the sea lion.

The WDFW staff and deputies directed the sea lion into a transport trailer, which was used to return it to the Columbia River.

ABC News' Benjamin Stein contributed to this report.

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