The Kalama River - You can swim, fish or picnic in many different places along the cold and shallow river. To get there, take the Kalama River Road exit off Interstate 5 and head east along Kalama River Road. The county road winds about 16 miles into the hills. Along the road are boat launches and turnouts where you can park and make your way down to the river on narrow trails. In some places, you'll feel like you're miles into the wilds, though you're likely to have company.
Fishermen snatch up some of the best spots early weekend mornings.
Along Kalama River Road are a pair of state-operated fish hatcheries. The Fallert Creek Hatchery, originally built in 1896, is the oldest in the state. The larger Kalama Falls Hatchery is on the right side of Kalama River Road near the end of the county road. The Kalama Falls Hatchery has no guided tours, but the main building has displays explaining salmon growth and what the hatchery does with them. Outside, you can walk around the cement tanks and see the fish in all stages of growth, from minnow-sized infants through hefty adults.