Kelso, WA

Travel Guide

Photo by Emily Whalen

This scenic town in Washington State is famous as a gateway to the Mount St. Helens volcano, but it also delights with its parks, playgrounds and museums.

Kelso is a small town close to Mount St. Helens volcano. As such it is a popular vacation spot for travelers to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument where they participate in a range of outdoor pursuits. Explore the natural phenomenon and then discover what the town has to offer.

The national monument was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1982. The protected area covers 110,000 acres (44,515 hectares) encompassing mountains, lakes and forested areas.

Hike or cycle through extensive trails that traverse mountains and forests. Stop at various points along the way to photograph the volcano. Some of the best views are from the open-air theater at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The vantage points look directly into the crater, some 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. During the summer, the theater hosts the Music on the Mountain concert series.

Take the boardwalk nature trail at Coldwater Lake. Go horse riding along the Sheep Canyon Trail and explore long lava caves. During the winter go cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the Sno-Park: Marble Mountain.

Beginners and experienced climbers who want to reach the top of the volcano will need a climbing permit.

When you are back in Kelso, take your time exploring the town’s attractions. Unwind in some of the many parks. The Rhododendron Gardens is noted for its flora while Tam O'Shanter Park is a popular picnic spot with a large children’s playground. If you like golf, play the 18 holes at the Three Rivers Golf Course.

While you are downtown visiting shops and restaurants, set aside a couple of hours to visit the Cowlitz County Historic Museum. View exhibits that explore the history of life in Southwest Washington.

Kelso is easy to reach by road and rail or by flying into Southwest Washington Regional Airport.

September is a good month to visit the town as you can join locals for a weekend of celebrations during the Highlander Festival. The two days of Scottish- and Celtic-themed fun includes games, parades, costumes and caber tossing.

Where to stay in Kelso

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West Side Highway

West Side Highway is well-liked for its bars. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Kelso area, you might plan a trip to Triangle Bowl or Cowlitz County Historical Museum.

West Side Highway
Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
2.5 out of 5
250 Kelso Dr, I-5 Exit 39, Kelso, WA
$125 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$139 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf motel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (384 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful stay. Great customer service, clean and very comfortable. Best continental breakfast I've had in a long time!"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview
Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
3 out of 5
510 Kelso Dr, Kelso, WA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
5.4/10 (1,016 reviews)
"There's no getting around the fact that the hotel has "seen better days". Updates are long overdue, and unlikely to happen anytime soon."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Red Lion Hotel Kelso Longview
GuestHouse Kelso Longview
GuestHouse Kelso Longview
2.5 out of 5
501 Three Rivers Dr, Kelso, WA
$134 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$149 total
Jun 18 - Jun 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kelso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Always clean and quiet."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

GuestHouse Kelso Longview
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Single Bedroom Guesthouse in the Cowlitz Valley
Single Bedroom Guesthouse in the Cowlitz Valley
Kelso
Stay at this vacation home in Kelso. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cowlitz County Historical Museum and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
Great Little House
"Perfect for our needs. Hosts were great!! I would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025

Single Bedroom Guesthouse in the Cowlitz Valley
Discover Your Serenity: A Hidden Gem Awaits at our Serene Cottage In The Woods
Discover Your Serenity: A Hidden Gem Awaits at our Serene Cottage In The Woods
Kelso
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kelso. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Laurel Beach County Park and Modrow ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
My wifes first exposure to the USA.
"We were exploring the area for ten days. We made it to Merlwn,Yale and Swift reservoirs, Astoria, Seaside and Mt Hood, Bonneville dam and fish hatchery plus three trips to Columbia Outlet in Selwood and a bunch of other shopping. We thoroughly enjoyed the cottage and the BBQ. The beef, sweet corn ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Discover Your Serenity: A Hidden Gem Awaits at our Serene Cottage In The Woods
Charming barn with AC and WiFi in superb Kelso
Charming barn with AC and WiFi in superb Kelso
Kelso
Stay at this vacation home in Kelso. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Modrow Bridge Water Access Site and Haydu Park are ...
Unfortunately disappointed, will not stay again
"The room I booked wasn't available because it sustained property damage from a previous renter. The host reached out and asked if I would be willing to stay in a different room and gave me a 40 refund because it was smaller. I never saw the original room but it seemed a lot smaller. No kitchen, no ..."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Charming barn with AC and WiFi in superb Kelso
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kelso

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
38
5 - Excellent 16%
4 - Good
109
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
75
3 - Okay 32%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 2%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Small town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Neat little town off of I-5

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Surprised by the abundance of great restaurants in the Kelso-Longview area!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice community!

4/5 - Good

JanWilke

Stayed just for the night.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Needs better food options, everything was a little dated and small.

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