Interpretation and history at Schafer

History

Schafer State Park is a colorful haven created in memory of John and Anna Schafer, who had settled in the area in 1872. Their sons Peter, Hubert and Albert formed the Schafer Bros. Logging Company, which, at its height, was one of the largest lumber and logging companies in the Pacific Northwest. In 1924, Schafer Bros. Logging Company donated the park to the State of Washington. It was the first such donation by a company from the lumber industry. Prior to 1924 the site was the scene of many Schafer family picnics.

From the 1920s to the 1940s, Schafer Bros. Company employees held their annual picnic in the park, with as many as 6,000 people in attendance. Several other local associations also held annual events at the park, including the Farm Bureau, the Scandinavian Central Committee and Vasa Lodge.

The Satsop River, which runs through the park, has been a popular fishing site for Native Americans for centuries. The river continues to be a productive and popular site for fishing. Since 1909, salmon have been harvested from this location for nearby salmon hatcheries.

In 2010, the park was designated a state and national historic site of statewide significance by its addition to the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places.

Interpretive opportunities

Several outdoor exhibits detailing the long history of the park are onsite. Each exhibit contains large maps of the park and descriptions of the activities available in that area, such as fishing, hiking, birding and camping. One exhibit features photos and descriptions of the pioneer settlement by the Schafers, as well as photos of the many company picnics held in the park. The “Life of the River” exhibit explains flooding, geology, fish habitat and other features at the park.