Schafer State Park

Introduction of Schafer State Park

On the Satsop River, Schafer State Park is a 119-acre campground located halfway between Olympia and Ocean Park. The Satsop River’s prolific steelhead, cutthroat, and salmon fishing is a major draw for park visitors. The shallow water is ideal for wading and swimming, making it a popular destination for family outings. Stone from the region is used to build structures. Fishing options in this park include catching sea-run cutthroat trout in the summer, salmon in the fall, and steelhead in the late winter. The park is home to a wide variety of animals. In the river, wading and swimming are both options.

Schafer State Park Activities

Camping

32 tent sites, 10 utility spaces, a trash station, and a shower are all present at the park. Power and water are available at utility locations. The sites lack hookups. 40 feet is the maximum site length (may have limited availability). There are two camping areas for bicycles. It’s first come, first served for all campgrounds.

Accommodations for groups: Beginning on January 1 of each year, reservations for the park’s two group camps can be made. The size of the group affects the fees. Call (360) 482-3852 to make a reservation or for more information about the park.

The check-in and check-out times are 2:30 and 1 respectively.

The period of silence is from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Electric generators powered by an engine may only be used between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Length of stay: During the summer, you are only allowed to spend a total of 10 days in a single park; from October 1 to March 31 the stay restriction is increased to 20 days.

Fishing

Sastop River is a famous destination for fishing.

Hiking

A 2 mile loop of hiking paths circles the park’s campsite.

Picnicking

The day-use area’s two covered picnic shelters may be reserved starting on January 1.

Water Sports

For all guests, swimming and river wading are popular summertime sports.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

In honour of John and Anna Schafer, who had moved to the region in 1872, Schafer State Park is a vibrant sanctuary. The Schafer Bros. Logging Company was founded by their sons Peter, Hubert, and Albert, and at its height, it was one of the greatest logging and lumber businesses in the Pacific Northwest. The park was given to the State of Washington in 1924 by the Schafer Bros. Logging Company. It was the first time a timber firm had made a contribution of this kind. The location was the setting for several Schafer family picnics before 1924.

Up to 6,000 people attended the annual Schafer Bros. Company employee picnics in the park from the 1920s until the 1940s. Additionally, the Farm Bureau, the Scandinavian Central Committee, and Vasa Lodge all hosted yearly gatherings at the park.

Native Americans have long enjoyed fishing in the Satsop River, which flows through the park. The river is still a profitable and well-liked fishing location. For the surrounding salmon hatcheries, salmon have been caught from this area since 1909.

By being added to the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places in 2010, the park was recognised as a state and national historic site of statewide importance.

Seasonality/Weather

The park is accessible daytime all year round. In the summer and winter, from 8 a.m. till sunset. October 1 through April 15 are the dates that the campground is closed.

Schafer State Park Location

Located in Mason County on the East Fork of the Satsop River, 12 miles north of Elma, Washington. Drive 12 miles north on East Satsop Road starting at Elma. The Brady exit off of U.S. Highway 12 leads to the park as well. The 10-mile drive along this path is picturesque.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

U.S. Highways 12 and 101 provide access to the state park from regional roads. By the towns of Brady, Satsop, or Shelton, or through county routes, visitors may reach the state park.
Mason and Grays Harbor counties’ transit systems offer public transportation in the area. At or close to the state park, there are no bus stops.
In Lacey, Washington, daily Amtrak passenger service is provided. Olympia is home to the nearest Greyhound station.
The cities of Olympia, Shelton, and Hoquiam all have municipal airports.