Unique Stay: A Container Home with Highland Cows, Chickens, and More!
In a little forested corner of Kalama, Washington, a cozy, hand-built container home offers plenty of space, farm fresh eggs from the chickens next door, Highland cows to befriend–visible from your bedroom window–and is the perfect place to unplug for a few nights. Did I mention the suspension bridge?
Here’s everything you need to know before booking the Shipping Container Home at Highland & CO Acres.
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Table of Contents
At a Glance
Location: Kalama, Washington
Native Land: Multnomah, Cowlitz
Sleeps: 2
Pet Friendly: No
Price: $100-$250
Amenities
Heating
Air conditioning
Indoor fireplace
Kitchen
Outdoor fireplace
Power
Shower
Toilet
Towels & bed linen
WiFi
Hey adventurers! I love recommending the gear and stays that I'm stoked about and use on the regular. As such, this post contains affiliate links to some of the products I love, and I'll receive commission upon any purchases made through those links at no expense to you.
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Getting There
The shipping container home is just a 10-minute drive east of the adorable little postage-stamp, riverside town of Kalama. The last leg of the drive is down a fern-lined and tree-covered gravel road that gives off major forest road vibes. All cars will be able to make it–just go slow if your vehicle has lower clearance.
The home is through a beautiful hand-made gate–you’ll receive the access code prior to your arrival.
Shipping Container Home at Highland & CO Acres
Driving through the gate, Sig and Rem (the property’s two working dogs) greeted me with wagging tails, and their owners, Jaimie and Dave, weren’t far behind. They welcomed me with open arms, encouraging me to make myself at home.
Once just a lot full of trees, Jaimie and Dave built Highland and Co Acres from the dirt up–from their rescued Highland cows and lively chickens to the beautiful shipping container home and every project in between, everything you see is a labor of love, and you could feel it radiating from each other and in every inch of their beautiful farm.
Walking through the front door, there’s an electric fireplace to the left and a loveseat on the right. Straight ahead, a generous full-size kitchen with tons of counter space makes cooking a breeze. I couldn’t believe how spacious this container home felt!
The bathroom is just behind the kitchen with a storage/laundry room/office in the very back.
Climb the spiral staircase to find the bedroom (it’s steep and a tight squeeze–hold onto the handrails!) The queen size bed is incredible comfortable, and the window just above your head lets you keep an eye on the Highland cows in the pasture behind. A large TV with streaming services is on the far wall.
Walk out the second-floor door to a massive patio with a propane fire pit, a table and chairs, and a beautiful view of the property to the west–it’s the best spot to catch the sun set behind the trees with a glass of wine. Forgot a bottle? No worries, Jaimie and Dave set up an awesome wine bar with an honor system.
Look right to see what I think is the coolest feature of this shipping container home: a suspension bridge connects the tiny home to Jaimie and David’s house. Rad.
Definitely take some time to walk the grounds–pick fresh vegetables from the garden and greenhouse, cozy up by the outdoor fire pit for a night under the stars, and if Jaimie’s around, ask if you can help feed the Highland cows. It’s such an incredible experience!
Feeding Murphy, the Highland cow.
Feeding a Highland cow in the Shipping Container Home’s backyard.
I brought a few carrots to feed the cows, but apples, bananas, melons, and bread are great choices too–they’re not all that picky!
The gentle beast above is Murphy–ever felt a Highland cow tongue? It’s wild. Something you’ll have to experience for yourself!
Highland cow in the Shipping Container Home’s backyard.
How to Book this Shipping Container
Book the Shipping Container Home at Highland and Co Acres on Riparide.
Prices range from $100-$250/night depending on time of year.
Things to do in Kalama
Kalama has all of southern Washington and northern Oregon at its fingertips. Here are my favorite things to do within 1.5 hours of Kalama.
Kalama Beach Park
Swim in the Columbia River
Kalama has beautiful riverside beach–bring a towel, a beverage, some snacks, and post up on the sand for a relaxing afternoon. It’s super fun to watch the massive ships make their way out to the Pacific!
Kalama Harbor Lodge Hotel in Kalama
Visit McMenamin’s Kalama Harbor Lodge Hotel
This hotel has a sweet restaurant and brewery on its first floor. Stop in McMenamin’s for a craft beer and tasty food with funky decor. The rooftop bar offers a sweet view over the river, and when you’re done, see if you can find the lodge’s two secret rooms!
Silver Lake Wetland Haven
Walk the Boardwalks at Silver Lake Wetland Haven
This awesome wetland park by Mt. St. Helens’ Visitor Center is a beautiful little 0.7-mile loop through wetlands teeming with wildlife and an impressive Mt. St. Helens view on a clear day.
Mt. St. Helens Summit overlooking Mt. Rainier
Mt. St. Helens National Monument
Climbing Mt. St. Helens
Mt. St. Helens National Monument is about a 1.5-hour drive away from Kalama and is a MUST VISIT destination for adventurers of all styles. A couple of my favorite hikes include:
Ape Caves
This super unique trail walks you through an ancient lava tube–I meannnn how FREAKING cool, am I right? It’s such a unique experience.
Distance: 3.3 miles RT
Elevation: 423’
Fee: $5/vehicle/day at developed recreation sites or valid pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Mt. St. Helens Summit
Apply for permits to summit this gorgeous active volcano!
Distance: 8.2 miles RT
Elevation: 4,583’
Permit: Required. Apply here.
