Kalama

Kalama is a city in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. It is located on the south bank of the Columbia River, opposite the city of Longview, and is connected to the region by Interstate 5. The community originated in the late 19th century as a railroad and timber town and has since developed into a small commercial center for the surrounding area.

The Kalama River, a tributary of the Columbia in the same region, runs nearby and contributes to the local watershed. Kalama's historic downtown along Main Street preserves early commercial architecture, and outdoor recreation areas along the river and nearby forests are common local attractions. The city participates in the broader economic and cultural life of the southwestern Washington and Portland–Vancouver metropolitan area.

Beyond the Washington city, Kalama is used as a surname and appears in other geographical names. The term may refer to different places or people in various contexts, so clarification is often needed in travel, historical, or genealogical discussions.