The Naselle River originates in the Willapa Hills and flows generally west, passing the community of Naselle before emptying into the southern part of Willapa Bay.

The broad tidal mouth of the Naselle River is known as Chelto Harbor.

[3] The Naselle River was used in a book called our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm.

According to Edmond S. Meany the name comes from the Nisal Indians, a Chinookan tribe formerly residing on the river.

[4] The book Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm is about a Finnish family who settled along the Nasel River.