
Three Rivers Course
Three Rivers Golf Course

About this course
Three Rivers, located in Kelso, Washington, is a testament to accessible, enjoyable golf in the Pacific Northwest. Carved into the fertile valley between the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, its design reflects a modern approach to playability over penal difficulty, favoring golfers who can manage the often-present breezes that sweep across the open landscape. Originally conceived as a community course, Three Rivers eschews the architectural signatures of renowned designers. Instead, its layout offers a straightforward and welcoming experience, rewarding strategic positioning rather than brute force. The fairways are generous, but errant approaches will find water hazards or well-placed bunkers, demanding thoughtful club selection and accuracy on approach. While not a tournament venue, Three Rivers holds a unique place in the local golfing community. Known for its friendly atmosphere and unpretentious vibe, it has been a stalwart in the local golfing landscape for years. It has earned a strong base of local players in the general area. The club also has strong ties to local charitable organizations.
Quick facts
- Location
- Kelso, WA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1983
- Designer
- Fred Bader
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,666 yards
- Difficulty
- 71.7/128
Getting there
Three Rivers Golf Course lies in the timber-rich Columbia River valley of southwest Washington, a straightforward hour's drive north from Portland International Airport across the Interstate 5 corridor. The route traces the broad, muscular bends of the Columbia as it carves through basalt cliffs and evergreen ridges, the landscape shifting from urban sprawl to mill towns and forested benchland. Kelso itself sits at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia rivers, and the final approach delivers you to a course shaped by the same alluvial forces that define this working corner of the Pacific Northwest - unpretentious, verdant, and rooted in the rhythms of river and forest.

FAQ
Common questions about Three Rivers
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Three Rivers was designed by Fred Bader.
Yes. Three Rivers is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Three Rivers is 72.
Three Rivers plays 6,666 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Three Rivers is 128.
Three Rivers is a 18-hole course.



