06. SCHAFER FOREST TRAIL at SCHAFER STATE PARK

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.