Government
Kalama is a small city rich in history and community spirit. Incorporated in 1890, the City has been the County seat, was the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and has survived fires and floods. It’s easy to spend a day strolling the six blocks of the downtown core, exploring the shops and grabbing a bite at one of the many great restaurants. You can get information or access free wi-fi at the Kalama Public Library. One can also take advantage of the walking path along the river, see the totem poles, take a break in the park, or throw a line in the water and see what bites.
For those vampire movie fans, Kalama High School was the featured location for filming many scenes of the first “Twilight” movie. Come in August and enjoy the annual Untouchables Car Show where hundreds of classic cars are in attendance. The City operates a Community Building that can host weddings, parties, seminars, and other events.
With Kalama’s location at one of the deepest points of the Columbia River and the prime location of the railroad and Interstate 5, it is known as a town “where highway, rail and water meet.” The river provides opportunities for industries and recreation to thrive. Convenient access to the freeway makes it easy to travel to the larger cities, both north and south of Kalama. There is access to the Pacific coast and the mountains, all within a day’s drive. The people of Kalama are what truly make the City a community, supporting school sports, community activities and each other. Many are life-long residents with generations having lived in Kalama, while others have come here to raise their families or to retire. While Kalama has grown over the years through both development and annexation, it has retained the small town values and community spirit that makes Kalama a great place to live, work, or visit.