Kelso Train Depot

Kelso Station, formerly known as the Kelso Burlington Northern Train Depot, has been undergoing an extensive renovation since September 1994. It was formally dedicated on September 23, 1995.

The station is a hub for several modes of transportation, including passenger rail service, commercial bus service and intercity bus service. Facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists will also be provided at the center. Kelso Station is recognized as the region's first multi-modal transportation center.

During hours of operation, passengers will be able to purchase bus or train tickets, browse at the various retail shops, and enjoy a comfortable environment for using one of the transportation modes. The City of Kelso is excited to bring this transportation center to the community and hopes the public enjoys this renewed transportation alternative!

An oil painting titled "Kelso Station - Half the Fun is Getting There," was commissioned by the city and painted by artist J. Craig Thorpe of Bellevue. The painting reflects the users and various transportation modes moving in and around the station. Prints may be purchased at the Utility Billing Office at 109 Allen Street at a cost of $10.

History of Kelso Station [ Top ]

The following is an excerpt from "About Kelso" by Camilla Summers, 1982, Railroads, page 34. The railroad first came to Cowlitz valley in 1871-72. The Northern Pacific Railway Company built a short line one-track line from Kalama to Commencement Bay (Tacoma). Later, it became part of the transcontinental railway system.

When the line was in operation it carried freight and passengers both ways. This gave the community on the east bank the advantage in transportation accommodations. At that stage the train stop was called Crawford's or Crawfordville. The Crawford family donated three and a half acres for a station house in November 1886.

The first small depot was a wooden structure in the 100 block of Front or First Avenue. By 1906 townspeople petitioned the Northern Pacific Railroad for a better passenger and freight depot. This was granted and a new, brick passenger and a wood freight depot were built. A grand opening reception was held February 12, 1912. Although the interior of the building has been changed several times and passenger travel is diminishing, the depot agents give good service to the public. The station holds an envious location in that it faces the beautiful Cowlitz River in a view of the large and impressive Hall of Justice on the west shores as well as the J. Livingston Restaurant and the Bridge Bender Tavern. It is in the heart of old Kelso.

The old freight station, office and warehouse was located north of the present passenger depot. At one time Oak Street extended west almost to (Front) First Street. There was a "jog" in First Street in order to skirt the freight depot and ramp. They took up part of the block where the parking lot is behind the Cowlitz Hardware and part of the north corner of the now vacated Safeway parking lot. The ramp, near the depot, was turned the opposite direction then. It allowed train cars to be side-tracked and freight unloaded onto the platform in front of the freight station and north of the depot.

In July of 1928 Longview was granted to bring passenger service to Longview. They built a large brick station and waiting room with a clock tower that could be seen for blocks. Their passenger service did not last long, however, for the December 1933 flood washed out their tracks and they never tried to get service again. Amtrak now serves Kelso through the Burlington Northern Railway Company.

Depot Lodging Information