Solovki prison camp
The town grew out of the settlement of Vizhaikha (). Since 1926, the location where the town now stands served as the 4th branch of the Solovki prison camp, and since 1929—as the independent management of the Vishera camps. Krasnovishersk was officially established in 1930, the same year when a paper mill was built. Town status was granted to Krasnovishersk in 1942.