06. SCHAFER FOREST TRAIL

SCHAFER STATE PARK

Tucked along the East Fork Satsop River in extreme southwestern MasonCounty, Schafer State Park is off-the-beaten path. While this park is farfrom population centers, it was a thriving spot for many years. In 1872 theSchafer Family came from Wisconsin to homestead here. Three of their sons,Peter, Albert and Hubert begin logging the homestead in the 1890s.

They formed Schafer Brothers Logging which would grow to be one of the largest timber operations in the Northwest. They had five sawmills at one time served by six logging camps and more than 100 miles of railroad line. At the company’s height it employed 3,000 workers. In 1955 the company was bought by the Simpson Timber Company. The Schafer family held many family gatherings at what is now the state park.

They donated this parcel to the state in 1924, and it continued to host many large company gatherings as well as other groups. Today the park is much quieter, but families still come here to gather. The park’s trails however tend to remain pretty peaceful.

Locate the trailhead for the Schafer Forest Trail near the park’s entrance. Then follow it crossing the Satsop River on the road bridge.

The trail then comes to a small meadow where it splits. Head right along the river and come to a good viewpoint above an area of small rapids. Past flooding has eaten away at the banks here causing the trail to be relocated. Continue to a junction. The way left is a shorter 0.6 mile option. Continue straight instead for the longer 1.3 mile loop. The trail climbs a series of terraces passing through attractive mature forest. It meets up with the short loop and then swings around to return to the meadow.

If you want to hike some more, wander through the park checking out interpretive displays and historic structures including a restroom built with fieldstones. The park’s .3 mile River’s Edge Trail is quite pleasant.

Highlights: Historic homestead; trail along Satsop River; salmon spawning creek and estuary Distance: 1.3 mile loop Elevation gain: 75 feet Difficulty: Easy Permits: Discover Pass Kid & Dog Friendly: Yes Season: All year Amenities: Privy, picnic tables, water, campground, interpretive signs GPS waypoint: N47 05.886 W123 27.965 Contact/Map: Schafer State Park; parks.wa.gov/580/Schafer Trailhead Directions: From Elma head west on the Monte Elma Road for 4.0 miles to Satsop. Then turn right onto East Satsop Road and drive 7.8 miles bearing left onto Schafer Park Road. Continue 0.2 mile and turn left into Schafer State Park and park at Day Use Area near park entrance.