About

Long before this stretch of waterfront became a port, it was a meeting ground for the Cowlitz people. The Tribe’s trade routes followed the river and its tributaries, connecting communities and establishing enduring patterns of movement and exchange. 

With the arrival of settlers and the Northern Pacific Railway, Kalama emerged as a vital transportation hub. Rail lines and river routes converged here, linking the Pacific Northwest to broader national trade networks and accelerating the region’s growth.

Industry took hold along the waterfront. The Mountain Timber Lumber Company processed massive Douglas firs, building out rail systems to move lumber through the region. The mill became part of a larger cycle of extraction, transport, and expansion that defined the era.

The Port of Kalama was established to formalize what the landscape had long enabled: a point of connection at the intersection of road, rail, and river. Over time, the Port evolved 600 acres of waterfront into a multi-use district supporting industry, recreation, and community development, balancing its role as an economic engine with riverfront access for all.

Kalama’s identity isn't just about what we built, but who we are. Chief Don Lelooska carved a 140-foot totem pole on this waterfront—one of the tallest in the world—reflecting the enduring presence and traditions of the Cowlitz and Northwest tribes along the Columbia River. It stood as a beacon of community and culture for decades.