Kelso Washington

The city of Kelso is located in Cowlitz County Southwestern Washington region along Interstate I-5 between exits 39 and 41, only 48 miles north of Portland OR, 125 south of Seattle WA, and 80 miles east of the Pacific Ocean on hwy 432.

Kelso Washington High School Sport Fields

The area where the city of Kelso sits today was nothing more than acres of wild woods and timber until approximately 1847, when a settler name Pete Crawford (founder of the city) decided to settle in the area. Since then history shows how Kelso has overcome some disaster and struggles and always is trying to expand and growth in every possible way. Kelso is the second largest city in Cowlitz County and holds the seat for the county.

Known as the “city of friendly people”, Kelso is the home of approximately 12,000 residents who enjoy many amenities provided only by larger metropolitan cities and not available in any other city in Cowlitz County like the huge modern Three Rivers Mall Shopping center, the train and bus stations. Another unique aspect about the city is the 17 parks and recreational facilities that offer to local residents and visitors.

Kelso is situated at the confluence of the Cowlitz, Coweeman and Columbia Rivers and is well known for having some of the best fishing holes in the region and attracts fishermen from all over the Western Unites States. Another big fishing event takes place in the winter months when the Cowlitz River has its large smelt season run which has given the city recognition as the “Smelt Capital of the World”.

Sunset At Big Kelso Washington Bridge

The city has been going through some needed, positive, change in the last decade. The need to grow and expand (a normal process of a growing city), has the city going through that needed renovation. New bridges, a new bigger city hall, new spaces for retail, new homes. Also, most of the homes in the older neighborhoods have been or are in the process of been remodeled. Through all these changes this thriving community has done everything possible to conserve unchanged all the historical buildings that have given Kelso its unique and historical identity.

With interstate I-5 and railroad corridors running through the middle of the city and right in the junction of state route 430 leading the Long Beach Peninsula, the Kelso Community is an idea location that offers a great exposure and opportunity for any kind of business.