Recreation

Kalama has several parks both in downtown Kalama and on the Columbia River side of I-5 at the Port of Kalama.

The Dick Maruhn “Memorial” Park is located at the north-end of the City of Kalama, the Peter Toteff Memorial Park is located at the south-end of the City of Kalama.

West of downtown, the Marine Park is a five acre day-use park that is bordered by a pedestrian/bicycle pathway along the Columbia River and features playgrounds, covered picnic shelters and the world’s largest totem pole carved from a single tree – all within walking distance from the City of Kalama. The 1.8 miles of paved and boardwalk pathways offer terrific views of the Marina and Columbia River.

Just south of Marine Park, Louis Rasmussen Day Use Park has room for family reunions in one of the covered picnic areas. Play tennis, shoot hoops, play volleyball and throw a horseshoe or two in the horseshoe pits.

The Port of Kalama marina provides boating opportunities to the public. The 222 slip marina has long term and short term mooring opportunities. A boat launch is available to the public free of charge.

Not only in Kalama, but all throughout Cowlitz County there are several different opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Fishing, kayaking, boating, water sports, and swimming are just a few of the options for water-based recreation, not to mention the various waterfalls throughout the region.

Away from the water, the options seem to be even more endless; from golfing, hiking, hunting, horse riding, to several snow activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There are a wide variety of venues for outdoor living and numerous campgrounds.

Cowlitz County’s crown jewel is Mount St. Helens, currently the only active volcano in the continental USA. En route to a peek in the crater, there are four world-class Visitor Centers, each with its own unique story. You can view exhibits, interpretive stories, eruption videos, and breathtaking views. Since the last major eruption in 1980 the landscape has staged a remarkable recovery, as plant and animal life have returned to stake a claim. Today, the volcano and the surrounding blast zone serve as a unique, living laboratory, open for public viewing and enjoyment. Check www.visitmtsthelens.com for more information on Mount St. Helens.

Kalama still remains “undiscovered” for many home builders and entrepreneurs. You can sit on your deck overlooking the Columbia River and the hills of Oregon, and watch the sun go down in a community where opportunity lies. Kalama will always be known for being a “Small Town with Big Horizons” and for being the place “Where Highway, Rail and Water Meet”.