1953 Map of Kalama

About this map

The Columbia River serves as the focal point for this mid-century survey, dividing Washington and Oregon as it flows past the established waterfront of Kalama. The landscape is defined by the convergence of major transportation arteries and industrial water usage, notably the concentrated rail lines of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific, alongside a Union Pacific route under construction. Inland, the rugged terrain is carved by the Kalama River and Coweman River, supporting a Salmon Hatchery and numerous small drainages like Owl Creek and Cedar Creek. Local life is anchored by family-centered sites such as the Rose Valley School and Rose Valley Cemetery, while the river's complexity is illustrated by features like Sandy Island, Cottonwood Island, and the navigation hazards at Elder Rocks and Hunter Bar.