jason brooks photo
Pacific Northwest style . First established around 1870 when the Northern Pacific Railroad pushed west and settled along the shores of the Columbia at Kalama , Wash ., the port quickly became a major shipping location . Today it is one of the main employers for the local area and boats share the water with large ships . Portland is about
30 miles to the south and Seattle 120 to the north making this a popular marina during the highly anticipated springer season .
A fisherman friendly boat launch , the Port of Kalama offers a multilane boat ramp and what seems like ample parking unless you get there during a hot bite and an hour late . With the launch and docks protected from a breakwater small craft can easily head out to fish from here . But be mindful : This is the Columbia so checking the weather and wind conditions are a must . If for some reason the conditions worsen then it is a short ride back to the protected water .
Not only will small craft be able to fish here but also a variety of other boats including pleasure yachts and
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