Surveyor Peter Crawford founded Kelso in the 1840s. A Scottish native, Crawford fell in love with the area and named it “Kelso” after his hometown in Scotland.
Kelso Washington

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 6000 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 home town of Kelso, Scotland. The original plat was dated and filed in October 1884. It became incorporated in 1889.
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 were shipped to markets around the country. Smelt numbers have declined significantly in the past several decades possibly due to overharvesting, global climate change and habitat loss.
Pieces of the mysterious 1947 Maury Island incident took place in Kelso. A military aircraft carrying suspicious slag-like material, supposedly from a UFO, crashed in southeast Kelso.
On May 18, 1980, being only 24 miles (39 km) away, Kelso residents experienced the shock wave caused by the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Called the largest volcanic eruption in historic times in the contiguous United States,[12] Kelso received large amounts of volcanic ash through the air and from the massive mudflow caused by the eruption transported by the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers. Many areas of the city, including the Three Rivers Golf Course are built on volcanic ash dredged from the Cowlitz River by inmates in state custody and volunteers.
The Cowlitz County Historical Museum provides many exhibits on the history of the local area.
Kelso Events Calendar
Today, the city continues to honor its roots with the annual Highlander Festival, which features piping and dancing, golf tournament, and parade.
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
2 events,
Spring Art Show – Columbian Artists Association
Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 am to 4 pmCowlitz County Historical Museum405 Allen StreetKelso, WA 98626
Rainy Month Series: Journey to Oz
Rainy Month Series: Journey to Oz
Made possible by Fibre Federal Credit Union, The Rainy Month Series is a LIVE performance series for young families. Tickets are reasonably price at $10 each […]
2 events,
Centennial Celebration – Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts
Centennial Celebration – Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts
Centennial Celebration!Friday, April 4, 2025, FREE EVENTS!5:30pm - Join us for the rededication and ribbon cutting at the Columbia6:30pm - Enjoy cake and champagne with music […]
3 events,
Centennial Celebration – Day Two Tours & Music by LaRhonda Steele
Centennial Celebration – Day Two Tours & Music by LaRhonda Steele
Saturday, April 5, 2025, FREE EVENTS sponsored by The Lee Family
2 events,
Centennial Celebration – Day Three Tours & Beauty & The Beast
Centennial Celebration – Day Three Tours & Beauty & The Beast
Sunday, April 6, 2025 FREE EVENTS10:00am-1:00pm - Tours of the Columbia Theatre - Call the Box Office at 360.575.8499 to reserve a spot.12:30pm - Games and […]
2 events,
Community Concert Series: Acoustic Eidolon
Community Concert Series: Acoustic Eidolon
Guitar & Cello/Vocal DuoJoe: Developed and performs with a Guitjo (a 6-string acoustic guitar that is strung like a 5-string banjo)Hannah: Studied with Gabriel Magyar of […]
2 events,
Pink Martini
Pink Martini
Featuring a dozen musicians, with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages on six continents. After making it’s European debut […]
3 events,
Go 4th Pub Crawl Fundraiser
Join us at the participating establishments during their regular business hours on April 12th.Tickets are $10, on sale April 1st at Triangle Bowl!Punch your ticket and […]
Lelooska Foundation Living History Performance
Lelooska Foundation Living History Performance
Living History Performance Experience magnificent Northwest Coast masks as they come to life in the glimmering firelight of a Kwakwaka’wakw ceremonial house. The Lelooska Family shares […]
2 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
5 events,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
Riverside Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Riverside Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Riverside Annual Easter Egg Hunt0-4 age group - Noon5-8 age group - 1:00 pm9-12 age group - 2:00 pmRiverside Park - KelsoPlease bring your own basket […]
Longview Spring Dark Market
Longview Spring Dark Market
Our Spring Dark Market is back again this time on Easter Weekend in April! It will be a two-day market as last time, and in both […]
Spring Pop up Market at Mountain Timber Market
Spring Pop up Market at Mountain Timber Market
Join us for a weekend of shopping, music, and family fun! April 19 & 20 | 11 AM – 5 PM Mountain Timber Market — 254 Hendrickson […]
4 events,
Lewis River Golf Easter Egg Hunt
Lewis River Golf Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday April 20th at 9:15 & 11:15 am2 egg hunts per time slotAges 1-5 and 6-123209 Old Lewis River Road - Woodland
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
Longview Spring Dark Market
Longview Spring Dark Market
Our Spring Dark Market is back again this time on Easter Weekend in April! It will be a two-day market as last time, and in both […]
Spring Pop up Market at Mountain Timber Market
Spring Pop up Market at Mountain Timber Market
Join us for a weekend of shopping, music, and family fun! April 20 | 11 AM – 5 PM Mountain Timber Market — 254 Hendrickson Dr, Kalama, […]
1 event,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
1 event,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
1 event,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
1 event,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
4 events,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
Cabaret Follies
Cabaret Follies
Cabaret Follies of Lower Columbia carries on the tradition started by Junior Service League of Longview by producing local cabarets with proceeds going to non-profit organizations. […]
Stageworks NW – Harvey
Stageworks NW – Harvey
Family friendly comedy classic directed by Peter J. Curtis.Cast: Johnny Winningham as Elwood P. Dowd, Cyndi Deaton as Vita Louise Simmons, Ashley Arledge as Myrtle May […]
Love Street Playhouse – Moon over Buffalo
Love Street Playhouse – Moon over Buffalo
In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend Me a Tenor, the hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. […]
6 events,
Kids Fish In
Kids Fish In
Kid’s Fish-In – Presented by Longview Early Edition Rotary! Date: April 26, 2025 Hourly Sessions: 8 AM – 4 PM Ages 5-14 Cost: $10 per child Location: Martin's Dock, Lake […]
Earth Rocks! A Day of Discovery at Children’s Discovery Museum Earth Day Celebration
Earth Rocks! A Day of Discovery at Children’s Discovery Museum Earth Day Celebration
Save the Date!Join us for an exciting FREE Earth Day celebration at the Children’s Discovery Museum! This special day will be packed with hands-on activities, interactive […]
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
Cabaret Follies
Cabaret Follies
Cabaret Follies of Lower Columbia carries on the tradition started by Junior Service League of Longview by producing local cabarets with proceeds going to non-profit organizations. […]
2 events,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
Love Street Playhouse – Moon over Buffalo
Love Street Playhouse – Moon over Buffalo
In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend Me a Tenor, the hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. […]
1 event,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
2 events,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]
Kalama on a String
Kalama on a String
Get ready for an evening of string-plucking fun at Kalama on a String, our live community bluegrass jam.When: Tuesday, April 29 Time: Starting at 7:00 PM Where: Kalama Community Building $: This event is […]
1 event,
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – Lilac Days
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will be open for Lilac Days April 19 to May 11, 2025. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the formation of […]







City of Kelso
City of Kelso
Mail: PO Box 819
Kelso, WA 98626
City Hall
203 S Pacific
Kelso, WA 98626
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Kelso School District
The mission of Kelso Public Schools is to prepare every student for living, learning and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.
Kelso School District
601 Crawford Street
Kelso, WA 98626
Established
Population

Things to Do in Kelso
Indoors or Outdoors.
We have it here in Kelso
Some of the most beautiful country in the world is right here. You will love the central location and easy access.

Kelso Dining
Eat Well in Kelso
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. We have some of the best eateries to be had anywhere.

Kelso Lodging
Bed & Breakfast? Camping? Hotel?
Come stay in Kelso. We have the type of lodging you're looking for right here. Within a short drive to the Best the Northwest has to offer!



Things to Do in Cowlitz County
Indoors or Outdoors. We have it here in Cowlitz County
Some of the most beautiful country in the world is right here. You will love the central location and easy access.

Dining
Eat Well in Cowlitz County
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. We have some of the best eateries to be had anywhere.

Lodging
Bed & Breakfast? Camping? Hotel?
Come stay in Cowlitz County. We have the type of lodging you're looking for right here. Within a short drive to the Best the Northwest has to offer!
Email: tourism@visitmtsthelens.com
(360) 577-3137
Cowlitz County Tourism
1900 7th Ave Lonview, WA 98632