RV Rental Cathlamet, WA

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Once home to one of the largest settlements of Columbia River Indians west of the Cascade Mountains, Cathlamet, WA, is a small town along Wahkiakum County’s Ocean Beach Highway. It perches on the edge of the Columbia River where it defines the border between Washington and Oregon and serves as the county seat of Wahkiakum County.

James Birnie was the first outsider to settle in the village in 1846, established a trading post and named the area Birnie’s Retreat. Its name was later changed to Cathlamet in honor of the Kathlamet Native American people, with the town officially incorporated in 1907. Today it’s a popular place to rent an RV, thanks to its wildlife-filled reserves, trout fishing, and lakeside hiking trails.

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The Great Outdoors

Just north of Cathlamet sprawls the Lewis And Clark National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses around 35,000 acres of tidelands along the banks of the Columbia River. It provides an important wintering and resting area for a number of bird species, including around 1,000 tundra swans and 5,000 geese. In addition to supporting large numbers of waterfowl, the estuary waters provide important food resources for juvenile salmon en route to the Pacific Ocean. Follow one of the refuge’s walking trails or explore the islands by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for beavers, river otters, and California sea lions.

Adjacent lies the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge For The Columbian White-Tailed Deer, which was established in 1972 to protect this endangered species. It encompasses more than 5,000 acres of forested tidal swamps, marsh, and pastures where Roosevelt elk, painted turtles, and red-legged frogs also reside. Follow one of the refuge’s hiking trails to spot one of the 300 or so Columbian white-tailed deer who live there, with the refuge’s islands accessible by boat.

Pick up your RV rental in Cathlamet and head across the border into Oregon to explore the Clatsop State Forest. It’s crisscrossed with hiking trails that access its picturesque lakes, including the Spruce Run Creek Trail and the Lost Lake Trail. Lost Lake is periodically stocked with trout and there’s a boat ramp for launching non-motorized vessels if you want to try your luck at fishing.

RV Parks

Rent a motorhome in Cathlamet and you can make the short drive to the Cathlamet RV Park and Chevron, which offers hook-up sites, showers, and a garbage disposal service. Alternatively, cross the Columbia River and drive to RV Outdoor and Adventures in Clatskanie, which is situated in a peaceful park offering riverfront access. It features a range of full hook-up sites and a children’s playground, as well as Wi-Fi and an outdoor stage.

You can also pull in at the Klaskanine River RV Park near Astoria, with full hookups and picnic tables near the river. Pets are welcome, and bathroom and shower facilities are also available.

Cathlamet is home to a small grocery store if you need to stock up on supermarket supplies. There are also gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental near Cathlamet. There are also a number of eateries if you want to dine out, with a more extensive range of services a 30-minute drive away in Longview. This bustling hub is also home to a Walmart where you may be able to set up for a night or two with the manager’s permission.

Exploring the City

Park your RV trailer rental in Cathlamet and head out to explore its picturesque streets on foot, with the town having been featured in numerous motion picture productions. Wander along the docks that once bustled with canneries and the comings and goings of the logging industry, with a few tugboats and small fishing companies utilizing the area today. Soak up the small-town charm while perusing the antique shops that cluster in the center or just take in the waterfront views across the Columbia River.

If you’re interested in the history of Cathlamet, be sure to stop at the whitewashed Pioneer Center, which occupies a beautiful former church that dates to 1895. Its tall tower soars above the rooftops of Cathlamet and it stands as the town’s most prominent (and photogenic) landmark. In addition to preserving this important historic building, the Pioneer Community Association runs numerous cultural and artistic events at the center throughout the year.

Make a day trip to the town of Westport, which lies just across the Columbia River in neighboring Oregon. Travel across the Julia Butler Hansen Bridge that connects to Puget Island, then jump aboard the Wahkiakum County ferry that’s been operating since 1962. Enjoy the slow pace of life as you explore the historic streets of Westport, which was named after Scottish-born John West who built a sawmill here in the mid-19th century before opening the first cannery in 1869.

Whether you’re visiting Wahkiakum County for its wildlife refuges or historic riverfront towns, book an RV in Cathlamet and start exploring.

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


  • Hiking TrailLocation
  • Gnat Creek Trail, ORAstoria, OR
  • Anunde Island Kayak Loop, ORClatskanie, OR
  • Alger Truck Trail, WAColumbian White-Tailed Deer National Wildlife Refuge, WA
  • Mill Creek Truck Trail, WALongview, WA
  • Beaver Falls Trail, ORClatskanie, OR
  • Cathedral Tree to Astoria Column, ORAstoria, OR
  • Lake Sacajawea Park Trail, WALongview, WA
  • Saddle Mountain Trail, ORSaddle Mountain State Natural Area, OR
  • The Columbia River Mouth and Long Beach Peninsula Scenic Drive, WACape Disappointment State Park, WA
  • Cowlitz River Trail, WAKelso, WA

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