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Kelso, WA

Frequently asked questions

Kelso, WA

Kelso is a city in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Washington and is the county seat of Cowlitz County. At the 2020 census, the population was 12,720.  Kelso is part of the Longview, Washington Metropolitan statistical area, which has a population of 110,730. Kelso shares its long western border with Longview. It is near Mount St. Helens.

The earliest known inhabitants of Kelso were Native Americans from the Cowlitz tribe. The Cowlitz people were separated into the Upper (or Taidnapam) and Lower (or Mountain) Cowlitz tribes, who were members of the Sahaptin and Salish language families, respectively. In 1855, European explorers noted that there numbered over 6,000 individuals of the Cowlitz Tribe.

Kelso was founded by Peter W. Crawford, a Scottish surveyor, who, in 1847, took up the first donation land claim on the Lower Cowlitz River. Crawford platted a townsite which he named after his hometown of Kelso, Scotland. The original plat was dated and filed in October 1884. It became incorporated in 1889.

In its early days, Kelso obtained the nickname "Little Chicago" as it became famous for its large number of taverns and brothels that catered to local loggers. On weekends, trainloads of loggers would come into town from the surrounding region looking for women, liquor, gambling, and fights. The FBI finally forced the mayor to shut them down in the 1950s, with the last tavern/brothel closing in the mid-1960s. The economy continues to be based largely on wood products.

Kelso is situated on the east side of the Cowlitz River near the Columbia River, opposite its twin city of Longview on the west bank. It is located on Interstate 5 approximately 48 miles (77 km) north of Portland, Oregon, and 125 miles (201 km) south of Seattle.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.50 square miles (22.01 km²), of which 8.14 square miles (21.08 km²) is land and 0.36 square miles (0.93 km²) is water.

The Columbia, Cowlitz, and Coweeman rivers were used as part of a historical transportation route from Portland, Oregon, to Puget Sound. Cowlitz steamboats were used as a mode of transportation until 1918.

Kelso places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Healthcare services, notably provided by the PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Start your wellness journey at the YMCA of Southwest Washington, which provides comprehensive fitness programs, swimming, and group exercise classes. Timber City Fitness and Planet Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Enhance your mental well-being with a yoga session at Holos Yoga, where classes cater to all skill levels. For family-friendly activities, the Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge features swimming pools and social events. 

Top sites in Kelso WA include the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, Catlin Water Park, and Three Rivers Golf Course.

Population: 12,691 (2022). Elevation: Varies. Area: 8.84 sq mi (22.89 km²). Main ZIP Code: 98626. Main Area Code(s): 360.

FAQs

What is Kelso, Washington famous for?

In the late 19th century and into the first part of the 20th century, Kelso was the center for commercial smelt fishing on the Cowlitz River. In 1910, according to the Oregonian Newspaper, 5,000 tons of fish were caught. The Kelso Chamber of Commerce created the slogan in 1956 and became known as the Smelt Capital of the World. The Cowlitz River has historically had heavy runs of smelt and was shipped to markets around the country.

What is the crime rate in Kelso, WA?

With a crime rate of 51 per one thousand residents, Kelso has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 20. Within Washington, more than 91% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Kelso.

Is Kelso, WA a good place to live?

Kelso, Washington is an idyllic city located in Cowlitz County. Known for its stunning views of Mount St. Helens and its rich history, Kelso is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Explore the mountains and trails of nearby Mount St. Helens National Monument or take a stroll along the waterfront to admire the Columbia River. Visitors can also enjoy Kelso's vibrant downtown area, featuring numerous shops, restaurants, and art galleries. With its wealth of natural beauty and abundance of attractions, Kelso offers something for everyone - whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure.

Sources

City of Kelso

Wikipedia

Visit Mt. St. Helens

Neighborhood Scout

Best Places

Cowlitz County Historical Museum

Catlin Water Park

Three Rivers Golf Course

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center

YMCA of Southwest Washington

Timber City Fitness

Planet Fitness

Holos Yoga

Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.