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What is Kelso’s History?
What City is the County Seat of Cowlitz County?
Where is Kelso Located?
What is there to do in Kelso?
What utility services are provided by the City and how do I sign up for such services?
How do I contact the private utility services not provided by the City?
I am traveling to the Kelso area. What services are available in the City?
How far from Kelso are the Mt. St. Helens visitor centers on State Route 504?
What lodging does Kelso have available?



WHAT IS KELSO'S HISTORY?

In the 1840’s, Kelso was founded along the banks of the Cowlitz River by a surveyor named Peter Crawford. He named the town after his Scottish home. Kelso has a unique historical past. It holds a story of struggle against competition in business and professions, its disasters and its faith in itself to overcome all odds and to expand, grow and progress in every way. The complete and colorful history of Kelso is recorded in detail in a book by local resident/author Camilla Summers (deceased). Her book, ‘About Kelso’, takes the reader from the time before Peter Crawford through the effects of the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980.

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WHAT CITY IS THE COUNTY SEAT OF COWLITZ COUNTY?

The City of Kelso is the County Seat of Cowlitz County.

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WHERE IS KELSO LOCATED?

Kelso is located on Interstate 5, at the confluence of the Cowlitz, Coweeman and Columbia Rivers. Kelso is 48 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 125 miles south of Seattle. Kelso is located 80 east of the Pacific Ocean.

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WHAT UTILITY SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF KELSO AND HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR SUCH SERVICES?

The City provides water, sewer and stormwater utility services for residents within the City Limits. Each new utility customer is required to pay a deposit and sign a service agreement prior to receiving service. Once this is done, a public works employee will go to the property and read the meter and turn on your service. You will be charged for services from this date forward.  For more information on signing up for services please contact the Finance Department.

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WHAT ARE THE OTHER UTILITY SERVICE CONTACT NUMBERS NOT PROVIDED BY THE CITY?

UTILITY
NAME OF COMPANY LOCATION
PHONE NUMBER
Garbage Pick Up Waste Control Longview, Washington 360-425-4302
Electric Services PUD of Cowlitz County Longview, Washington 360-423-2210
Television Cable Comcast Longview, Washington 888-683-1000
Natural Gas Cascade Natural Gas Longview, Washington 360-423-7470

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I AM TRAVELING TO THE KELSO AREA.  WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CITY?

Key businesses include:

  • Antiques
  • Auto parts
  • Auto repair
  • Bakery
  • Banks
  • Beauty/barber shops and a spa
  • Car dealerships
  • Child care facilities
  • Chiropractic offices
  • Clothing
  • Computer repair
  • Dental offices
  • Fish/game licensing
  • Florist and gift shops
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Hardware stores
  • Insurance
  • Lodging
  • Medical offices
  • Pharmacy
  • Real estate
  • Restaurants (both fast food and sit down)
  • Theater’s
  • Towing services
  • UPS collection site
  • U.S. Post Office

For further information, contact the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce at 360-423-8400.

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HOW FAR FROM KELSO ARE THE MT. ST. HELENS VISITOR CENTERS ON STATE ROUTE 504?

Hoffstadt Bluff Visitor Center 37 Miles 360-274-7750
Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center In Kelso 360-274-0962
Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center 53 Miles 360-274-2114
Johnston Ridge Observatory 62 Miles 360-274-2140
Mt. St. Helen’s Learning Center 43 Miles 360-414-3439
      
Note: mileage amounts are estimates from Kelso

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For more information please Contact our office.


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City of Kelso 360.423.1371
203 South Pacific, Kelso, WA 98626
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