Kalama Horse Camp, located on the southwest flank of Mt. St. Helens, is outside the blast zone of the 1980 eruption. The camp and its nearby trails are close enough to the mountain for you to observe how the most recent eruption changed the area. You’ll also plenty of evidence of previous volcanic activity. The campground loop trail allows easy access to the main trail head. The trail head parking area, found at the east end of the campground provides parking for day use. There are over 50 miles of trails and closed roads are available from the campground.
Cougar, WA 98616
Trail Description
Kelso Dikes via Coweeman River Trail is an easy, longer riverside walk that gives visitors a different view of Kelso’s outdoor landscape. This out-and-back route stretches about 7.8 miles with only around 85 feet of elevation gain, making it a great option for walkers who want a flatter trail with plenty of room to settle into the scenery. The route follows the Coweeman River along the dike system, passing quieter stretches of water, open views, and a mix of natural and developed surroundings. AllTrails describes it as an easy trail that is popular for walking and is generally less crowded, with best-use seasons noted from December through April.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for a longer, low-key walk near Mt. St. Helens, this trail is a great way to enjoy the river, stretch your legs, and experience a different side of Kelso. It is an easy choice for a solo walk, a casual outing, or a peaceful addition to your Southwest Washington adventure.
Directions to the Trailhead
For the northern trailhead, head to Kelso via Interstate 5 and take the Allen Street exit. From there, drive east about one mile on Allen Street to reach the Coweeman River trailhead, where parking is available. Washington Trails Association identifies this Allen Street access point as the main trailhead for the route.
Latitude / Longitude
46.1447, -122.8793
Kelso Highlander Festival
Tam O'Shanter Park
Kelso, WA 98626
When: September 14th & 15th 2024
Experience a whole weekend of Scottish & Celtic culture, with the Avenue of Clans, Scottish craft & food vendors, Scottish music & dancing, as well as Highland Games.
Saturday, September 14th, 2024
At beautiful Tam O'Shanter Park September 2024 the festivities begin. At 9:00 am the Highland Dance Competition. and Highland Games begin. At 10:00 am please join us for the annual Highlander Festival Parade. Also beginning at 10:00 am join us for the Kelso Garden Club Flower Show "Journey Through The Highlands". At 11:00 the Silent Auction begins. At 12:30 the Opening Ceremonies & Parade of Clans begins on the field. The Silent Auction ends at 4:00. The entertainment continues all day Saturday with music by: Beltaine and pipe bands from Ft. Vancouver and Tacoma Scots. This is located under the covered area.
Sunday, September 15th, 2024
At 8:00 AM please join us for the Kirkin' of the Tartan Worship Service at Tam O'Shanter Park and again at 11:00 AM at the Kelso Methodist Presbyterian Church in Kelso at 206 Cowlitz Way. There will be a bagpiper and a Highland Dancer performing.
The Highland Games will begin at the park at 9:00 AM with those hardy lads and lasses tossing the caber and throwing the stone. There will be entertainment in the afternoon at the park with the Wicked Tinkers, and Beltaine.
The Kilted Klassic Golf Tournament at Three Rivers Golf Course will be held on July 31st. Contact Mike Fowler 360-749-4925 if interested
The Visitor Center is here to help our tourists see the value of our area and direct them to our local events, businesses and treasures.
Monday through Thursday
8 am to 5 pm
Friday
8 am to 4 pm
Saturday
9 am to 4 pm
Sunday
10 am to 3 pm
Kelso, WA 98626
Kelso Theater Pub & Backstage Café We are a unique single-screen movie theater, showing current mainstream films & Occasionally first-run blockbusters.
The movie theater is for all ages. Watch a movie and have a pizza. The theater has been set up for your enjoyment. Tables have been placed in front of each seat for your dining enjoyment while watching one of our movies.
Our adjoining Backstage Café is open Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for lunch & Tuesday - Saturday evening for Dinner from 4:30 pm to 8 pm. Our full menu & specials are always available in the café. Our menu is limited form but including all of our pizzas are always available in our Theater along with the standard movie fare. Beer & Wine is served in both Theater and Café.
Kelso, WA 98626
Set in a quiet forest, in an old homestead, the park offers a convenient base for sightseeing, hiking and biking the Mt. St. Helens area. Kid Valley Campground is also located close to fishing opportunities at nearby lakes and the famous Toutle River.
Winter activities include hunting, crosscountry skiing, and snowmobiling in the nearby area, including the Toutle state forest, with 35,000 acres open to snowmobiling.
We are located adjacent to the Toutle River and a few miles from the Green River, both of which have recovered from the volcanic mud flows and offer great salmon and steel-head fishing. We are a short drive from fly-fishing at Coldwater Lake and bass and trout fishing in Silver Lake. Year around elk viewing is popular on the road to Mount St. Helens and hunting in the Winston, Toutle, Coweeman and Margaret units are nearby, too. Call for special hunting season rates.
Kim Bowl
Longview, WA
Kirby’s Fish & Chips is a local favorite in Kelso, Washington, serving up classic, no-frills seafood in a welcoming, casual setting. This neighborhood spot is known for its crispy, golden fish and perfectly cooked chips—simple comfort food done right. They do offer some more tasty menu items to choose from.
With a focus on quality and consistency, Kirby’s offers traditional fish-and-chips favorites along with other popular fried seafood options, making it an easy choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Kirby’s Fish & Chips delivers familiar flavors, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
Kelso, WA 98626
Kress Lake (near Kalama)
Kress Lake is a calm, enclosed lake near Kalama that’s well suited for kayaking, fishing, and relaxed paddling. The developed boat launch accommodates kayaks and small boats, with convenient hand-launch options available near the ramp for easy access to the water. Its sheltered setting makes it a comfortable choice for beginners and those looking for a low-key day on the lake.
Surrounded by forested scenery, Kress Lake offers a peaceful outdoor experience with added amenities including parking, vault toilets, and picnic tables. Whether you’re enjoying a casual paddle or pairing kayaking with a day of fishing, this scenic lake provides a quiet and accessible water recreation spot in Southwest Washington.
Small Lakes & Local Favorites
Kayak Access
- Developed boat launch suitable for kayaks and small boats
- Easy hand-launch options near the ramp
Why It’s Great
- Calm, enclosed water
- Popular for fishing and casual paddling
- Surrounded by forested scenery
Amenities
- Parking
- Vault toilets
- Picnic tables
Try this 0.9 mile circular trail near Kalama, Washington. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. This trail is great for fishing, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
This is a peaceful and lovely walk around a lake. The trail is well-maintained. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type. Accessible Parking: Parking lot surface: paved; It is unclear where the closest public designated accessible parking spaces are within 1.0 miles of the trailhead. Trail Details: Trail surface: a natural surface (dirt); Average trail width: 5 feet; Estimated average grade category: flat (1% or less).
Longview, WA 98632