Schafer Forest Trail At Schafer State Park

Schafer State Park is located on the East Fork Satsop River in the far southwest of Mason County. Despite being away from cities, it was active starting in 1872 when the Schafer Family from Wisconsin settled here. Their sons Peter, Albert, and Hubert began logging 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.

Explore Schafer State Park:

• Highlights: Step back in time at a historic homestead, stroll along the Satsop River, and see salmon spawning in the creek and estuary.

• Length: 1.3-mile loop

• Difficulty: Easy, with a 75-foot elevation gain

• Permits: Requires a Discover Pass

• Kid & Dog Friendly: Both welcome

• Season: Enjoyable all year round

• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, water, campground, and informative signs

• GPS: N47 05.886 W123 27.965

• Location: Schafer State Park near Elma

• Directions: From Elma, take Monte Elma Road west for 4.0 miles to Satsop. Turn right onto East Satsop Road, drive 7.8 miles, then left onto Schafer Park Road. Drive 0.2 miles, turn left into the park, and park at the Day Use Area near the entrance.Historic homestead; trail along Satsop River; salmon spawning creek and estuary.