Where is Kelso, Washington

Kelso is a city in southwestern Washington and the county seat of Cowlitz County. It lies along the Cowlitz River near its meeting with the Columbia River and is about 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon. The city is known for its river setting, timber history, Mount St. Helens access, and nearby outdoor recreation in southwest Washington.

Location Map of Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington

About Map: The map shows the location of Kelso in Cowlitz County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Kelso Map, Washington

Where is Kelso Located?

Kelso is a city located in Cowlitz County, Washington, the United States. It lies in southwestern Washington, about 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon, and roughly 80 miles south of Olympia. Kelso serves as the county seat of Cowlitz County and is located along the Cowlitz River near its confluence with the Columbia River. The city is located at approximately 46.146° North latitude and 122.908° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 12,683 residents. Kelso covers about 8.83 square miles, or 22.87 square kilometers. The community was established in the 19th century and grew as a center for timber, river transportation, railroads, and regional trade. The Cowlitz River remains an important natural feature and supports fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation. Kelso is also a gateway to Mount St. Helens and the surrounding Cascade Mountain landscape. A unique feature of the city is its location within the Lower Columbia River region, where forested mountains, rivers, and coastal lowlands meet. Nearby Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument provides opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, geology education, and wildlife viewing. Interstate 5 and State Route 4 provide major transportation connections to Portland, Longview, Olympia, and other communities in Washington and Oregon.

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Kelso City Facts

Distance from Kelso, WA to Nearby Cities

• Longview, WA – 2 miles (3 km)
• Castle Rock, WA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Woodland, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Rainier, OR – 20 miles (32 km)
• St. Helens, OR – 25 miles (40 km)
• Scappoose, OR – 35 miles (56 km)
• Centralia, WA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Vancouver, WA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Portland, OR – 50 miles (80 km)
• Olympia, WA – 80 miles (129 km)
• Astoria, OR – 60 miles (97 km)
• Hillsboro, OR – 60 miles (97 km)
• Tacoma, WA – 105 miles (169 km)
• Seattle, WA – 125 miles (201 km)
• Salem, OR – 100 miles (161 km)

Top Attractions in Kelso

• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument – A major natural attraction offering volcano views, hiking trails, visitor centers, scenic drives, and opportunities to learn about the 1980 eruption.
• Cowlitz River – A major local waterway popular for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.
• Three Rivers Golf Course – A local golf facility surrounded by the wooded landscapes of southwest Washington.
• Tam O'Shanter Park – A community park with open spaces, recreational facilities, walking areas, and river access.
• Lake Sacajawea Park – A large park in nearby Longview featuring a lake, gardens, walking paths, bridges, and recreational areas.
• Columbia River – The nearby river provides opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
• Northwest Trek Wildlife Park – A regional wildlife attraction south of Kelso featuring native Pacific Northwest animals and natural habitats.
• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – A major regional historic attraction near Vancouver, Washington, preserving a former Hudson's Bay Company trading post.

Airports Near Kelso

• Southwest Washington Regional Airport (KLS) – 5 miles
• Portland International Airport (PDX) – 55 miles
• Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) – 80 miles
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 120 miles
• Hillsboro Airport (HIO) – 65 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Kelso city website and local government records.

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