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.
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R & B Pleasant Hill Farms
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm starting September 22 until October 30th.We invite you to join us in sharing our harvest of pumpkins, squash, […]
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Extreme Machines
Extreme Machines
FREE EVENT - FUN FOR ALL AGES! Saturday, September 23, 10:00 - 3:00 pm, Cowlitz County Expo Center Kids – young and old can come and […]
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest
Food, Drinks, Dancing!, Live music featuring the band “5 Guys Named Moe!”, Incredible silent auction items, plus a live auction packed with vacation packages and many […]
Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Youth & Family Link Youth and Family Link would like to invite you to attend our second-ever Murder Mystery Fundraiser! September 23rd, from 6 pm to […]
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Sunset Fun Run
Sunset Fun Run
$10 PER PERSON / FUN FOR ALL AGES!Friday, September 29, 2023 7:00 p.m., Mint Valley Golf Course Come light up the sky with this Sunset Run/Walk […]
Moonlight Golf Tournament
Moonlight Golf Tournament
This scramble tournament is a sure hit for any golfer, experienced or not. Cost includes greens fees, a moonlight glow golf ball, and prizes. The tournament […]
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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