Stay with Us!

Here history is revived, art is revered, craft cocktails flow and every room has its own lanai.

Bike Friendly Pet Friendly Wi-Fi

Upcoming Events

Bingo at Kalama
Thursday, December 05
Sonny Hess
Thursday, December 05
Repeal Day - Celebrating the End of Prohibition
Thursday, December 05
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 07

About Kalama Harbor Lodge

Experience this tropics-inspired oasis on the Columbia River.

Kalama Walking Guide  Kalama Web Cam

Situated between Kalama’s landmark totem poles and the marina at the Port of Kalama, Kalama Harbor Lodge opened in 2018. Inspired by the Hawaiian heritage of John Kalama, the property is reminiscent of the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. 

Come for the King Kalama burger, stay for the adventure – right inside the hotel. From the ground floor, wind your way up to the Cloud Bar, pausing on each floor to discover art, local history and secret rooms. Each guestroom is named for the vivid cast of characters (and events) who have colored the history of Kalama. Find Shirley Loman’s or The Cowlitz Tribe’s stories, then find their namesake rooms. Each guestroom features a king-sized bed, bathroom and lanai, many with river views.

Finally, you’ll reached the clouds – or at least the Cloud Bar. With expansive views of the Columbia River, gnarled wood sculptures and rough-hewn timbers, this near-rooftop bar serves up tropics-inspired cocktails like Mai Tais, along with a scrumptious bar menu. You may never want to leave...

But if you do, meander down to the pub for a hearty lunch or dinner – or start your day there with house-roasted coffee and a delicious breakfast.

A few steps to the north of the pub, past the stained glassed Holoholo Room, travel back in time and across an ocean to the Polynesian-inspired Harbor Lounge. Sink into a comfy armchair near the woodstove on a winter afternoon and watch storms roll up the river with a pint of our handcrafted beer or a hot toddy.

During warmer months, the wrap-around patio is the place to be. Watch the people out for a riverside stroll or the container ships lumbering down the river under the weight of their loads, en route to ports unknown. Imagine your own next adventure – or just step inside to create one.

Kalama Harbor Lodge allows pets on the side patios and in hotel rooms for a fee.

Kalama Harbor Lodge Guestrooms

Check-in is at 3 pm; checkout is at 11 am

Kalama Harbor Lodge offers King rooms which include a television, telephone, complimentary wi-fi and private bathroom with shower. All rooms have an individual balcony. Pet friendly rooms also available, call to inquire. For ADA rooms, please contact the hotel directly.

Loyal Order of the Slumbering Bed Heads

Bed Head Login

New Name, Same Program
The Loyal Order of the Slumbering Bed Heads was once known as our Frequent Guest Program.

Stay at our historic hotels and earn free nights! 

Questions about your existing points? See our FAQs.

Please note: We are unable to issue points for reservations made through Expedia and Booking.com. For best results, book directly through mcmenamins.com. Limit one room per guest per night.

How does it work?

  • First, create or update your profile in our online reservations system and follow the prompts to join the Bed Head Program; you'll receive monthly email reminders about the program! Keep an eye out for upcoming events, seasonal promotions and even occasional specials just for Bed Heads.
  • Stay with us! Points are automatically rewarded 24 hours after check out - you'll receive 100 points per night in rooms with a common bath, 150 points per night in rooms with a private bath and 50 points per night in Edgefield’s hostel rooms. Your accrued points can be viewed at any time in your online profile. Please note: points accrued during your stay are not available for immediate redemption.
  • When you've accrued 900 points or more, search results on our online system will include a "900 point" rate for rooms (based on availability). Choose this rate to redeem your points. Add-ons, like our Romance Package, will still be available at regular prices.

Rules

  • This offer is for individual bookings only; the offer does not apply to contracted groups or conferences.
  • All of your qualifying nights must be booked under the same guest profile for points to accrue correctly.
  • Only 1 room per night is accruable.
  • You must be a member of the Loyal Order of the Slumbering Bed Heads to accrue points and redeem your complimentary stays.
  • Qualifying nights begin the day you sign up! Sorry, our program is not retroactive.
  • The Grand Suite at Grand Lodge, Family Suite and Parrish House at Old St. Francis, Family Rooms at Edgefield, Double Queen with Private Bath and Queen and King with Private Bath at Hotel Oregon are not available for redemption.
  • Based on availability; blackout dates may apply.
  • Reward nights and free or sponsored promotional stays are excluded from earning points in the program.
  • No credit for "no-shows” or cancellations within cancellation policy.
  • Redemption must be booked prior to arrival and points cannot be redeemed upon check out.
Any questions can be sent to loyalty@mcmenamins.com.
Please note: All rules are subject to change.

Important Information about Bed Head Points

In order to accumulate points, it is important that you use the same username and password every time you make a reservation. When guests create multiple profiles, points get scattered across them, making them difficult to use for free stays.
 
Need help aligning multiple user profiles or resetting your password? Contact us at loyalty@mcmenamins.com so we can merge your accounts into one or help with passwords.

Moorage & Local Attractions

Explore the area!

Docking at Kalama

Will you be trolling the Columbia River? Throw down anchor near us, and come visit! There are 140 feet of guest/transient moorage at the south end of the marina at the Port of Kalama.

During the busy fishing months of March & April and August & September the space fills up quickly. Many fisherman come at the end of the day.

Marina slips available for McMenamins overnight guests
  • First come, first served; no reservations
  • Just tell our front desk you’d like to rent a slip
  • Front desk staff will provide you with keys to the marina
  • You must check out of the slip in person at our front desk
  • $8 per night for boats under 25’
  • $16 per night for boats 25-52’ 
The Port of Kalama also offers a guest slip
  • $14 per use up to 24 hrs for boats up to $30’
  • $19 per use up to 24 hrs for boats 31’ and larger
  • Maximum stay is 10 consecutive days
  • See payment instructions at the guest dock

Port of Kalama: Marine Park & Rasmussen Day-Use Park

Just outside our doors, set on the Columbia River, is the five-acre day-use Marine Park. A playground, picnic area, and scenic walking/bicycle path provide instant outdoor entertainment. It doesn’t get any more local than that! 

Adjacent to the park and McMenamins is a collection of totem poles crafted by local Native American Don Lelooska, Take a moment to visit these poles, which tell stories of Northwest Coast Native Americans, as seen in the mythical forms, symbols and creatures. The tallest of these, at 140 feet, is the largest one-piece totem pole in the world. In September 2018, it was lowered for repairs – the up-side being that now is your chance to see the top up close!

Further along the path is Rasmussen Day Use Park, with covered picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, horseshoes, and combined tennis and basketball courts. Pass these on your way to our Ahles Point Cabin, a cozy small bar with a fireplace and river-view patio!

Pets are welcome, but must be leashed.

Shopping

Kalama is known for its antique treasures – seven shops in this one tiny town!

Casino

The Ilani Casino Resort is a 15-minute drive south of Kalama. Operated by the Cowlitz Tribe, Ilani has 100,000 square feet of gaming, including slots and table games. Their Muze Lounge offers live music on select nights, and they also offer shopping boutiques, a Starbucks and other dining options. They’re open daily.

Golf

Bring along your clubs to head to nearby greens, including the Three Rivers Golf Course in Kelso, 13 miles away; and the Tri Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield, 15 miles away.

Other Attractions

The Cowlitz County Historical Museum in Kelso offers artifacts and interpretive exhibits.

The Hulda Klager Lilac Garden is a nonprofit historical 7-acre site in Woodland, open daily to see the 90 varieties of lilacs, as well as Victorian gardens and a farmhouse.

Paradise Point State Park is along the Lewis River in Ridgefield, and is a place for hiking, fishing, camping and swimming.

Further East

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest & Ape Caves are about a 45-minute drive from Kalama, and offer forests, mountains, waterfalls, caves, observatories and more. Hiking, sightseeing and caving are popular.

See what's going on while you're here...

Events

Art

  • Ross LaRoy

    Ross LaRoy
  • Kalama Flood of '48

    Kalama Flood of '48
  • Dick and Grace Sorter

    Dick and Grace Sorter
  • Soldiers

    Soldiers
  • Mellie Pullman

    Mellie Pullman
  • John “Lucky Jack” Peterson

    John “Lucky Jack” Peterson
  • Elephant

    Elephant
  • D.B Cooper

    D.B Cooper
  • Eliza Jane Meeker

    Eliza Jane Meeker
  • Queen

    Queen
  • Welcome to Kalama

    Welcome to Kalama
  • Wai

    Wai
  • Twilight

    Twilight
  • Wild Pigeon

    Wild Pigeon
  • Family

    Family
  • Lodge

    Lodge
  • Village

    Village
  • Monticello Burbee

    Monticello Burbee
  • Pioneer Inn

    Pioneer Inn
  • The Doty Fish Company

    The Doty Fish Company
  • Westwick & Nichol

    Westwick & Nichol
  • Sasquatch

    Sasquatch
  • Abe

    Abe
  • John Hogatt

    John Hogatt
  • Dale Groff

    Dale Groff
  • Couple

    Couple
  • Brando

    Brando
  • John Kalama

    John Kalama
  • The Port

    The Port
  • Virgil Simmons

    Virgil Simmons
  • Chief Tsungani

    Chief Tsungani
  • Charles Funk

    Charles Funk
  • The Cowlitz Tribe

    The Cowlitz Tribe
  • Shirley Lowman

    Shirley Lowman
  • John Moses

    John Moses
  • Chuck & Nora Amren

    Chuck & Nora Amren
  • Joanna Boatman

    Joanna Boatman
  • Mark Wilson

    Mark Wilson
  • The Harriman Expedition

    The Harriman Expedition
  • Stop That Train

    Stop That Train
  • My Sisters and Brothers (LEFT)

    My Sisters and Brothers (LEFT)
  • My Sisters and Brothers (RIGHT)

    My Sisters and Brothers (RIGHT)
  • Mission in the Rain

    Mission in the Rain
  • That Lucky Old Sun

    That Lucky Old Sun
  • I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (LEFT)

     I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (LEFT)
  • I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (RIGHT)

    I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (RIGHT)
  • Forever Young (LEFT)

    Forever Young (LEFT)
  • Forever Young (RIGHT)

    Forever Young (RIGHT)
  • Cats Under the Stars (LEFT)

    Cats Under the Stars (LEFT)
  • Cats Under the Stars (RIGHT)

    Cats Under the Stars (RIGHT)
  • Don't Let Go

    Don't Let Go
  • Evangeline

    Evangeline

History

It’s a new building but one that’s awash in history.
Walk around, grab a drink, explore, and take in the architecture, artwork, photographs,
and stunning river views.
This spot has been
attracting people for centuries.
 
The Lodge itself stands invitingly on its riverfront perch, boasting a look and style that’s not from here. Those who have visited Maui, though, will surely see a resemblance to the historic Pioneer Inn at Lahaina. This architectural choice is a tribute to the community’s namesake, John Kalama.
 
Kalama was one of the many Hawaiians who came to the Pacific Northwest in the early 1800s to work for the British Hudson’s Bay Company, fur-trapping and farming. Unlike most of the Hawaiians, though, John remained in the area, married a native Nisqualy woman and had children. For a time, they made their home just north of here, near the mouth of the river that now bears his name, Kalama.
 
For centuries before John Kalama’s arrival, this area was home to Native Chinook and Cowlitz people, and they maintained seasonal camps for fishing and gathering food near the Kalama River’s confluence with the Columbia River. Theirs was a long and rich existence along the Columbia River corridor, until British and American traders and settlers arrived and made claim to the land and introduced disease.
 
1870 was a momentous year in the history of this community, for that’s when the Northern Pacific Railroad initiated construction of its new transcontinental rail line. This site was declared the railroad’s western terminus, and a town was platted. Suddenly prices for town lots skyrocketed. Bids came in from as far away as New York City. Searching for a suitable name for the new town, an NPR official said, “Name it after the nearby river.” And so Kalama it was.
 
And what followed was an impressive boom. Over the next few years, Kalama was a cosmopolitan place, with a rising population from diverse backgrounds and economic stations. And of course there were plenty of hucksters and shysters at the ready to separate people from their money.
 
 As quickly as it had started, the bottom fell out of Kalama’s soaring prosperity. The community lost its status (and lots of income-generating business) as NPR’s western terminus, when the rail line was completed to the Puget Sound, and Tacoma was named the new “end of the line.”
 
This misfortune was followed by a seemingly continuous stream of calamities (sometimes referred to as Kalamaties) into the early 1900s, most in the form of destructive fires and floods.
 
Kalama’s saving grace during this difficult stretch was the advent of railroad transfer ferry service in and out of Kalama. In lieu of a railroad bridge across the Columbia, a massive ferryboat was built to carry entire trains (the cars of which were disconnected for the journey) from one side of the river to the other. This service ensured Kalama a certain amount of business and status during its operation from 1884 to 1908.
 
During this period, other developments gradually came to the community. Fishing was always abundant. The establishment of processing plants, notably the Doty Fish Company, increased production and created more local jobs. The same was true in the logging and lumber industry. The first large scale railroad logging and milling operation began in 1909 with the Willard Case Timber Company, which promptly morphed into the Mountain Timber Company the following year.
 
These developments gradually, and sometimes halting, led to the improvement of the harbor and development of the Port of Kalama, and today it is a West Coast leader, serving companies from all over the globe.
 
What’s made the difference in Kalama are the local people committed to their neighbors and their community. It still is small town here, but does big business with the world.

Hold Your Private Event at Kalama Harbor Lodge

Weddings  Meetings  Social Events

Our destination has a dedicated meeting and event space – Old 97 – for 15 to 100 people. We’ll host your next meeting, event or nuptials – we even have doors that open to lanais. The space is fondly named ‘Old 97’ for the railroad switch engine used to disassemble and reassemble train cars on the transfer ferry that crossed the Columbia River at Kalama.

Having an event at this new property means enjoying its Island-inspired feel, as it was modeled after the Pioneer Inn on Maui. A few of the unique private events menu items include a Tiki Pupu Party menu with Year of the Dragon Pork Sliders and Egg Rolls; and a North Shore Buffet with Island Slaw, Three Rocks Jerk Chicken and Coconut Shrimp.

Contact our sales team to inquire or book your event.
Get Started Here

Kalama Summer Music


There's nothing better than a Northwest summer evening full of music under the stars. Catch our free shows in the Westin Amphitheater every Wednesday & Thursday on the banks of the Columbia River.
 
Bring chairs and blankets for seating on the lawn. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome!
 

Concert Menu

King Kalama Kalua Pulled Pork Sandwich 15.00
With Mai Thai slaw
Electric Grill Plate 17.00
Choice of huli huli chicken or Kalua pork, mac salad, rice and Hawaiian roll
 
Terminator Kielbasa 14.00
With sauerkraut, served on a roll
 
Caesar Salad 12.00
Romaine, garlic croutons, Parmesan, Caesar dressing
 
Zenner’s Old Fashioned Hot Dog 9.00
 
Kettle Chips 3.00
 
Burgers

  • Hamburger 12.00
  • Cheeseburger 13.00
  • Mystic 18 Burger 15.00
    Lightlife® patty, vegan Mystic 18 sauce & Chao slice
Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwiches Assorted flavors 8

Parking & ADA


Kalama Harbor Lodge offers onsite complimentary parking on a first come, first served basis. ADA-accessible parking is available in front of the hotel and in front of Ahles Point Cabin.  

We encourage guests to remove all valuables from their vehicle.
Anderson School
Adults
Children 6 & Under
Rate
  • Stay with Us!

    Here history is revived, art is revered, craft cocktails flow and every room has its own lanai.

    Upcoming Events

    see all events
    Bingo at Kalama
    Thursday, December 05
    Sonny Hess
    Thursday, December 05
    Repeal Day - Celebrating the End of Prohibition
    Thursday, December 05
    Breakfast with Santa
    Saturday, December 07

    Experience this tropics-inspired oasis on the Columbia River.

    Kalama Walking Guide  Kalama Web Cam

    Situated between Kalama’s landmark totem poles and the marina at the Port of Kalama, Kalama Harbor Lodge opened in 2018. Inspired by the Hawaiian heritage of John Kalama, the property is reminiscent of the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. 

    Come for the King Kalama burger, stay for the adventure – right inside the hotel. From the ground floor, wind your way up to the Cloud Bar, pausing on each floor to discover art, local history and secret rooms. Each guestroom is named for the vivid cast of characters (and events) who have colored the history of Kalama. Find Shirley Loman’s or The Cowlitz Tribe’s stories, then find their namesake rooms. Each guestroom features a king-sized bed, bathroom and lanai, many with river views.

    Finally, you’ll reached the clouds – or at least the Cloud Bar. With expansive views of the Columbia River, gnarled wood sculptures and rough-hewn timbers, this near-rooftop bar serves up tropics-inspired cocktails like Mai Tais, along with a scrumptious bar menu. You may never want to leave...

    But if you do, meander down to the pub for a hearty lunch or dinner – or start your day there with house-roasted coffee and a delicious breakfast.

    A few steps to the north of the pub, past the stained glassed Holoholo Room, travel back in time and across an ocean to the Polynesian-inspired Harbor Lounge. Sink into a comfy armchair near the woodstove on a winter afternoon and watch storms roll up the river with a pint of our handcrafted beer or a hot toddy.

    During warmer months, the wrap-around patio is the place to be. Watch the people out for a riverside stroll or the container ships lumbering down the river under the weight of their loads, en route to ports unknown. Imagine your own next adventure – or just step inside to create one.

    Kalama Harbor Lodge allows pets on the side patios and in hotel rooms for a fee.

    • Check-in is at 3 pm; checkout is at 11 am

      Kalama Harbor Lodge offers King rooms which include a television, telephone, complimentary wi-fi and private bathroom with shower. All rooms have an individual balcony. Pet friendly rooms also available, call to inquire. For ADA rooms, please contact the hotel directly.

    • Loyal Order of the Slumbering Bed Heads

      Bed Head Login

      New Name, Same Program
      The Loyal Order of the Slumbering Bed Heads was once known as our Frequent Guest Program.

      Stay at our historic hotels and earn free nights! 

      Questions about your existing points? See our FAQs.

      Please note: We are unable to issue points for reservations made through Expedia and Booking.com. For best results, book directly through mcmenamins.com. Limit one room per guest per night.

      How does it work?

      • First, create or update your profile in our online reservations system and follow the prompts to join the Bed Head Program; you'll receive monthly email reminders about the program! Keep an eye out for upcoming events, seasonal promotions and even occasional specials just for Bed Heads.
      • Stay with us! Points are automatically rewarded 24 hours after check out - you'll receive 100 points per night in rooms with a common bath, 150 points per night in rooms with a private bath and 50 points per night in Edgefield’s hostel rooms. Your accrued points can be viewed at any time in your online profile. Please note: points accrued during your stay are not available for immediate redemption.
      • When you've accrued 900 points or more, search results on our online system will include a "900 point" rate for rooms (based on availability). Choose this rate to redeem your points. Add-ons, like our Romance Package, will still be available at regular prices.

      Rules

      • This offer is for individual bookings only; the offer does not apply to contracted groups or conferences.
      • All of your qualifying nights must be booked under the same guest profile for points to accrue correctly.
      • Only 1 room per night is accruable.
      • You must be a member of the Loyal Order of the Slumbering Bed Heads to accrue points and redeem your complimentary stays.
      • Qualifying nights begin the day you sign up! Sorry, our program is not retroactive.
      • The Grand Suite at Grand Lodge, Family Suite and Parrish House at Old St. Francis, Family Rooms at Edgefield, Double Queen with Private Bath and Queen and King with Private Bath at Hotel Oregon are not available for redemption.
      • Based on availability; blackout dates may apply.
      • Reward nights and free or sponsored promotional stays are excluded from earning points in the program.
      • No credit for "no-shows” or cancellations within cancellation policy.
      • Redemption must be booked prior to arrival and points cannot be redeemed upon check out.
      Any questions can be sent to loyalty@mcmenamins.com.
      Please note: All rules are subject to change.

      Important Information about Bed Head Points

      In order to accumulate points, it is important that you use the same username and password every time you make a reservation. When guests create multiple profiles, points get scattered across them, making them difficult to use for free stays.
       
      Need help aligning multiple user profiles or resetting your password? Contact us at loyalty@mcmenamins.com so we can merge your accounts into one or help with passwords.
    • Moorage & Local Attractions

      Explore the area!

      Docking at Kalama

      Will you be trolling the Columbia River? Throw down anchor near us, and come visit! There are 140 feet of guest/transient moorage at the south end of the marina at the Port of Kalama.

      During the busy fishing months of March & April and August & September the space fills up quickly. Many fisherman come at the end of the day.

      Marina slips available for McMenamins overnight guests
      • First come, first served; no reservations
      • Just tell our front desk you’d like to rent a slip
      • Front desk staff will provide you with keys to the marina
      • You must check out of the slip in person at our front desk
      • $8 per night for boats under 25’
      • $16 per night for boats 25-52’ 
      The Port of Kalama also offers a guest slip
      • $14 per use up to 24 hrs for boats up to $30’
      • $19 per use up to 24 hrs for boats 31’ and larger
      • Maximum stay is 10 consecutive days
      • See payment instructions at the guest dock

      Port of Kalama: Marine Park & Rasmussen Day-Use Park

      Just outside our doors, set on the Columbia River, is the five-acre day-use Marine Park. A playground, picnic area, and scenic walking/bicycle path provide instant outdoor entertainment. It doesn’t get any more local than that! 

      Adjacent to the park and McMenamins is a collection of totem poles crafted by local Native American Don Lelooska, Take a moment to visit these poles, which tell stories of Northwest Coast Native Americans, as seen in the mythical forms, symbols and creatures. The tallest of these, at 140 feet, is the largest one-piece totem pole in the world. In September 2018, it was lowered for repairs – the up-side being that now is your chance to see the top up close!

      Further along the path is Rasmussen Day Use Park, with covered picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, horseshoes, and combined tennis and basketball courts. Pass these on your way to our Ahles Point Cabin, a cozy small bar with a fireplace and river-view patio!

      Pets are welcome, but must be leashed.

      Shopping

      Kalama is known for its antique treasures – seven shops in this one tiny town!

      Casino

      The Ilani Casino Resort is a 15-minute drive south of Kalama. Operated by the Cowlitz Tribe, Ilani has 100,000 square feet of gaming, including slots and table games. Their Muze Lounge offers live music on select nights, and they also offer shopping boutiques, a Starbucks and other dining options. They’re open daily.

      Golf

      Bring along your clubs to head to nearby greens, including the Three Rivers Golf Course in Kelso, 13 miles away; and the Tri Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield, 15 miles away.

      Other Attractions

      The Cowlitz County Historical Museum in Kelso offers artifacts and interpretive exhibits.

      The Hulda Klager Lilac Garden is a nonprofit historical 7-acre site in Woodland, open daily to see the 90 varieties of lilacs, as well as Victorian gardens and a farmhouse.

      Paradise Point State Park is along the Lewis River in Ridgefield, and is a place for hiking, fishing, camping and swimming.

      Further East

      Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest & Ape Caves are about a 45-minute drive from Kalama, and offer forests, mountains, waterfalls, caves, observatories and more. Hiking, sightseeing and caving are popular.
    • See what's going on while you're here...

      • Ross LaRoy

        Ross LaRoy
      • Kalama Flood of '48

        Kalama Flood of '48
      • Dick and Grace Sorter

        Dick and Grace Sorter
      • Soldiers

        Soldiers
      • Mellie Pullman

        Mellie Pullman
      • John “Lucky Jack” Peterson

        John “Lucky Jack” Peterson
      • Elephant

        Elephant
      • D.B Cooper

        D.B Cooper
      • Eliza Jane Meeker

        Eliza Jane Meeker
      • Queen

        Queen
      • Welcome to Kalama

        Welcome to Kalama
      • Wai

        Wai
      • Twilight

        Twilight
      • Wild Pigeon

        Wild Pigeon
      • Family

        Family
      • Lodge

        Lodge
      • Village

        Village
      • Monticello Burbee

        Monticello Burbee
      • Pioneer Inn

        Pioneer Inn
      • The Doty Fish Company

        The Doty Fish Company
      • Westwick & Nichol

        Westwick & Nichol
      • Sasquatch

        Sasquatch
      • Abe

        Abe
      • John Hogatt

        John Hogatt
      • Dale Groff

        Dale Groff
      • Couple

        Couple
      • Brando

        Brando
      • John Kalama

        John Kalama
      • The Port

        The Port
      • Virgil Simmons

        Virgil Simmons
      • Chief Tsungani

        Chief Tsungani
      • Charles Funk

        Charles Funk
      • The Cowlitz Tribe

        The Cowlitz Tribe
      • Shirley Lowman

        Shirley Lowman
      • John Moses

        John Moses
      • Chuck & Nora Amren

        Chuck & Nora Amren
      • Joanna Boatman

        Joanna Boatman
      • Mark Wilson

        Mark Wilson
      • The Harriman Expedition

        The Harriman Expedition
      • Stop That Train

        Stop That Train
      • My Sisters and Brothers (LEFT)

        My Sisters and Brothers (LEFT)
      • My Sisters and Brothers (RIGHT)

        My Sisters and Brothers (RIGHT)
      • Mission in the Rain

        Mission in the Rain
      • That Lucky Old Sun

        That Lucky Old Sun
      • I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (LEFT)

         I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (LEFT)
      • I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (RIGHT)

        I’ll Take a Melody Down the River (RIGHT)
      • Forever Young (LEFT)

        Forever Young (LEFT)
      • Forever Young (RIGHT)

        Forever Young (RIGHT)
      • Cats Under the Stars (LEFT)

        Cats Under the Stars (LEFT)
      • Cats Under the Stars (RIGHT)

        Cats Under the Stars (RIGHT)
      • Don't Let Go

        Don't Let Go
      • Evangeline

        Evangeline
    • History

      It’s a new building but one that’s awash in history.
      Walk around, grab a drink, explore, and take in the architecture, artwork, photographs,
      and stunning river views.
      This spot has been
      attracting people for centuries.
       
      The Lodge itself stands invitingly on its riverfront perch, boasting a look and style that’s not from here. Those who have visited Maui, though, will surely see a resemblance to the historic Pioneer Inn at Lahaina. This architectural choice is a tribute to the community’s namesake, John Kalama.
       
      Kalama was one of the many Hawaiians who came to the Pacific Northwest in the early 1800s to work for the British Hudson’s Bay Company, fur-trapping and farming. Unlike most of the Hawaiians, though, John remained in the area, married a native Nisqualy woman and had children. For a time, they made their home just north of here, near the mouth of the river that now bears his name, Kalama.
       
      For centuries before John Kalama’s arrival, this area was home to Native Chinook and Cowlitz people, and they maintained seasonal camps for fishing and gathering food near the Kalama River’s confluence with the Columbia River. Theirs was a long and rich existence along the Columbia River corridor, until British and American traders and settlers arrived and made claim to the land and introduced disease.
       
      1870 was a momentous year in the history of this community, for that’s when the Northern Pacific Railroad initiated construction of its new transcontinental rail line. This site was declared the railroad’s western terminus, and a town was platted. Suddenly prices for town lots skyrocketed. Bids came in from as far away as New York City. Searching for a suitable name for the new town, an NPR official said, “Name it after the nearby river.” And so Kalama it was.
       
      And what followed was an impressive boom. Over the next few years, Kalama was a cosmopolitan place, with a rising population from diverse backgrounds and economic stations. And of course there were plenty of hucksters and shysters at the ready to separate people from their money.
       
       As quickly as it had started, the bottom fell out of Kalama’s soaring prosperity. The community lost its status (and lots of income-generating business) as NPR’s western terminus, when the rail line was completed to the Puget Sound, and Tacoma was named the new “end of the line.”
       
      This misfortune was followed by a seemingly continuous stream of calamities (sometimes referred to as Kalamaties) into the early 1900s, most in the form of destructive fires and floods.
       
      Kalama’s saving grace during this difficult stretch was the advent of railroad transfer ferry service in and out of Kalama. In lieu of a railroad bridge across the Columbia, a massive ferryboat was built to carry entire trains (the cars of which were disconnected for the journey) from one side of the river to the other. This service ensured Kalama a certain amount of business and status during its operation from 1884 to 1908.
       
      During this period, other developments gradually came to the community. Fishing was always abundant. The establishment of processing plants, notably the Doty Fish Company, increased production and created more local jobs. The same was true in the logging and lumber industry. The first large scale railroad logging and milling operation began in 1909 with the Willard Case Timber Company, which promptly morphed into the Mountain Timber Company the following year.
       
      These developments gradually, and sometimes halting, led to the improvement of the harbor and development of the Port of Kalama, and today it is a West Coast leader, serving companies from all over the globe.
       
      What’s made the difference in Kalama are the local people committed to their neighbors and their community. It still is small town here, but does big business with the world.
  • Hold Your Private Event at Kalama Harbor Lodge

    Weddings  Meetings  Social Events

    Our destination has a dedicated meeting and event space – Old 97 – for 15 to 100 people. We’ll host your next meeting, event or nuptials – we even have doors that open to lanais. The space is fondly named ‘Old 97’ for the railroad switch engine used to disassemble and reassemble train cars on the transfer ferry that crossed the Columbia River at Kalama.

    Having an event at this new property means enjoying its Island-inspired feel, as it was modeled after the Pioneer Inn on Maui. A few of the unique private events menu items include a Tiki Pupu Party menu with Year of the Dragon Pork Sliders and Egg Rolls; and a North Shore Buffet with Island Slaw, Three Rocks Jerk Chicken and Coconut Shrimp.

    Contact our sales team to inquire or book your event.
    Get Started Here

  • Kalama Summer Music


    There's nothing better than a Northwest summer evening full of music under the stars. Catch our free shows in the Westin Amphitheater every Wednesday & Thursday on the banks of the Columbia River.
     
    Bring chairs and blankets for seating on the lawn. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome!
     

    Concert Menu

    King Kalama Kalua Pulled Pork Sandwich 15.00
    With Mai Thai slaw
    Electric Grill Plate 17.00
    Choice of huli huli chicken or Kalua pork, mac salad, rice and Hawaiian roll
     
    Terminator Kielbasa 14.00
    With sauerkraut, served on a roll
     
    Caesar Salad 12.00
    Romaine, garlic croutons, Parmesan, Caesar dressing
     
    Zenner’s Old Fashioned Hot Dog 9.00
     
    Kettle Chips 3.00
     
    Burgers

    • Hamburger 12.00
    • Cheeseburger 13.00
    • Mystic 18 Burger 15.00
      Lightlife® patty, vegan Mystic 18 sauce & Chao slice
    Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwiches Assorted flavors 8
  • Parking & ADA


    Kalama Harbor Lodge offers onsite complimentary parking on a first come, first served basis. ADA-accessible parking is available in front of the hotel and in front of Ahles Point Cabin.  

    We encourage guests to remove all valuables from their vehicle.

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