Whenever I make the three hour drive between Seattle and Portland, I'm always looking for somewhere to stop along the way.
Much to my delight, I've recently discovered the charming riverfront town of Kalama. It's about one hour north of Portland, and definitely worth your time.
What's there to do in Kalama WA?
I love the relaxed, riverfront setting of the Hawaiian-themed McMenamins Lodge in Kalama.
On a sunny day I can sit outside on the restaurant patio, while watching a passing parade of boats on the Columbia River. I can then book a room in the quirky hotel, or hang out in the hotel's cosy bars and restaurants.
There's a bunch of stuff to do near the hotel. This includes a history museum, amphitheater with live music, sandy beach, and playground. I can also follow the paved path across the picturesque waterfront to a log cabin with yet another restaurant.
The latest addition on the Kalama waterfront is a fabulous market, full of local goods.
I was surprised to learn that Kalama WA is a big deal for exports. It's actually the second busiest port on America's West Coast! All of those container ships on the river export a whopping 15 million tons of grain each year!
There's also a Hollywood connection here, with both Marlon Brando and Elvis having ties to to this small community.
10 best things to do in Kalama WA
1. McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge
My family always heads straight for the McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge, when we pull into Kalama WA. We browse the gift shop, then settle in for a meal at the lodge. It's always tempting to book a room and stay overnight.
When I first visited the lodge, it seemed strangely familiar. It then occurred to me that I was looking at a replica of the Pioneer Inn in Maui.
The lodge opened its doors in 2018, and pays homage to pioneer John Kalama who was a Hawaiian born employee of the Hudson Bay Company. He arrived here in 1837 and was somewhat of a local identity, working tirelessly at this busy port.
I was impressed by the riverfront patio with enviable views of the river. It's also nice to retreat to the pub and harbor lounge on winter days.
If you look up, you can also see a rooftop bar with amazing views of the Columbia River!
2. McMenamins Ahles Point Cabin
When I followed the paved path along the riverfront, I stumbled across the quaint McMenamins Ahles Point Cabin. It's only 8-minutes south of the inn. It houses an English-style restaurant complete with a roaring fire. This is the place to load up on pub food and savor a beer or wine. In summer I take advantage of the beachfront patio.
3. Marine Park (246 Hendrickson Drive)
I also appreciate the green spaces along the riverfront near McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. One of my favorite spots is the 5-acre Marine Park. It's directly south of the lodge in Kalama WA. Our kids can run around here, take advantage of the playground, and build sandcastles on the beach (no lifeguard).
We also enjoyed the three large picnic pavilions. There's plenty of shade for sunny days.
A common sight along the riverfront in Kalama WA is the grand riverboat operated by American Cruise Lines. I'm definitely interested in finding out more about their week long tours on the Columbia River.
Here's the large playground at Marine Park in Kalama.
4. Westin Amphitheater
I can't wait to catch a summertime concert at the Westin Ampitheater in Marine Park, just south of the lodge in Kalama WA. Check concert dates on this calendar.
5. Port of Kalama Interpretive Center
As an added bonus, there's a Kalama Interpretive Center near the McMenamins Lodge. It provides the scoop on all the local Kalama WA history.
It's free to visit the Interpretive Center.
The first thing I noticed was the giant 1917 Northern Pacific Steam Locomotive. Kalama became well known when it was selected in 1870 for the Western Terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. However, Kalama fell into decline when the Western Terminus relocated to Tacoma just three years later.
I was also staggered to learn, that Kalama once had the second largest ferry in the world! From 1883 to 1909, a giant ferry carried rail cars across the river from Kalama to Goble in Oregon!
Imagine crossing the Oregon Trail in this wagon!
It was cool to get a close look at a vintage 1929 Ford Model AA.
Here's another beautiful patio overlooking the river, near the Kalama Interpretive Center.
6. Port of Kalama Mountain Timber Market
The Port of Kalama Mountain Timber Market opened in 2023 in a huge building. It sells fresh produce, goods and gifts.
7. Louis Rasmussen Park (268 Hendrickson Drive)
I also discovered another lovely riverfront park in Kalama, known as the Louis Rasmussen Park. This 25-acre park starts at the lodge. It then ends 8-minutes later at the Ahles Point Cabin. Along the way you will discover 3 picnic pavilions, and pickleball, half-court basketball courts, and volleyball courts.
8. Rivers Edge Coffee Company
I'm always searching for new coffee places. The Rivers Edge Coffee Company is just 1.5 miles south of the McMenamins Lodge. The appealing thing about this coffee house is its vaulted ceiling, oversized couches and roaring fire. So cosy! It's located inside a cabin in-front of the Port's giant grain silos. I also browsed some tasteful home-wares and furniture here.
9. Haydu Park (253 Kalama River Road)
I was keen to explore other parts of Kalama WA, and discovered Hadyu Park northeast of downtown. There's lots to do at this 24-acre park, including beach access on the Kalama River, a playground, tennis and half court basketball, soccer and baseball fields, and a horse riding arena.
10. Downtown Kalama
I was also curious to check out downtown Kalama. It's away from the waterfront and separated from the river by the highway. It was once a bustling area in the 1870s with three saloons, grocery stores, four hotels and shops. Today the main focus is the three antique shops (1st Street Antiques, and Drew, Davis Antiques, Kalama Vintage Warehouse).
11. Marlon Brando’s connection to Kalama
A totally unexpected Hollywood connection, is Marlon Brando's frequent visits to Kalama from the late 1990s to his 2004 death. He was drawn to Kalama because both his son and business manager lived here. He found great solitude staying at his business manager's property on the outskirts of town.
Drive to the hilltop cemetery in Kalama to see where Marlon's son (Christian) is buried alongside his first wife (Anna Kashfi). Continue driving to 176 First Street in downtown, to see where Marlon used to hang out in his business manager's antique shop. Unfortunately it burned down!
12. Elvis Presley’s connection to Kalama
Another Hollywood connection is the roadside motel in Kalama that Elvis stayed at, on his way to the 1962 World Fair in Seattle. The motel is known as the OYO Hotel today, next to the Columbia Inn Restaurant.
13. Twilight Filming Location
Twilight Fans can also visiting a filming location in Kalama. The red brick Kalama High School stood in as the Forks High School from the very first movie. Fans will recognize this as the parking lot scene where Edward saves Bella's life.
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