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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Olympic & Kitsap Peninsulas Region
Schafer State Park
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SCHAFER STATE PARK
Schafer State Park is a 119-acre camping park on the Satsop River, midway between Olympia and Ocean Park. A big attraction to park users is the abundant fishing for steelhead, cutthroat trout and salmon on the Satsop River. Wading and swimming in the shallow water make it an equally attractive site for family gatherings. Buildings are constructed from native stone. This park is known for its fishing opportunities, including sea-run cutthroat trout in summer, salmon in the fall and steelhead in late winter. There is abundant wildlife in the park. Wading and swimming are possible in the river.

Park hours/updates:

The park is open year round for day use.

Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Camping:Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.Check-out time, 1 p.m.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Nature of the Area
Wildlife Mammals Birds Fish & Sea Life? Bears? Bobcats? Chipmunks? Coyotes? Deer or Elk? Marmots? Rabbits? Raccoons? Skunks? Squirrels? Chukars? Crows or Ravens? Ducks? Eagles? Grouse? Hawks? Herons? Hummingbirds? Jays? Ospreys? Owls? Pheasants? Quail? Woodpeckers? Wrens? Salmon? Steelhead? Trout

Environmental Features Physical Features Plant Life ? Cedar? Douglas Fir? Hemlock? Spruce? Alder? Apple? Ash? Maple? Poplar? Daisy? Foxglove? Lupines? Rhododendron? Berries? Ferns? Moss or Lichens? Poison Ivy
History of the Area
Schafer State Park is a colorful haven created in memory of John and Anna Schafer. The Schafer Brothers' Logging Company donated the park to the state of Washington in 1924. Prior to 1922, the area comprising the park was the scene of many Schafer picnics. Schafer State Park is a colorful haven created in memory of John and Anna Schafer. The Schafer Brothers' Logging Company donated the park to the state of Washington in 1924. Prior to 1922, the area comprising the park was the scene of many Schafer picnics.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has 32 tent spaces, ten utility spaces, one dump station, one restroom with showers. Utilility sites have water and power. Sites have no hook-ups. Maximum site length is 40 feet (may have limited availability). There are two bicycle camping sites. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Group Accommodations: The park provides two group camps that can be reserved starting Jan. 1 each year. Fees vary with size of the group. For information or reservations, call the park at (360) 482-3852.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.


Location
Schafer State Park is located near Elma

Picnicking
Two covered picnic shelters in the day use can be reserved starting Jan. 1 each year. Reserve by contacting the park at (360) 482-3852.
Trails
1. East Loop Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Satsop River and surrounding forested areas.

2. West Loop Trail: A slightly longer route at approximately 3 miles, this trail winds through dense forests with occasional glimpses of wildlife such as deer or birds.

3. Riverside Walkway: An easy half mile walk along the river's edge, perfect for families with young children or those looking for a leisurely stroll in nature.

4. Schafer Peak Hike: For more experienced hikers seeking an adventure, this challenging uphill hike leads to stunning panoramic views from atop Schafer peak - it spans about four miles round trip.

5. Forest Pathways Network: These are interconnected trails throughout the park which allow visitors to create their own hiking experience based on difficulty level and desired distance - they range from one to five miles long each.

6. Schafer Meadows Trek: It's roughly three-miles-long trek leading towards beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers during springtime; ideal spot for picnicking too!

7. Campground Trails: Shorter paths connecting different campgrounds within state park offering convenient access between camping sites while also providing opportunities for short walks amidst lush greenery.

8. River View Point Track: Half-a-mile track ending up at viewpoint overlooking serene waterscape scene making it worth every step taken.

9. Old Growth Forest Route: Approximately two-and-half mile path winding around ancient trees giving glimpse into region's rich biodiversity.

10. Wildlife Observation Paths: Numerous shorter pathways scattered across entire area specifically designed keeping birdwatchers & animal lovers in mind where you can observe local fauna closely.
Area Attractions
Activities Trails Water Activities Other? 2 mi. Hiking Trails? Fishing (freshwater)? Swimming (freshwater)? Bird Watching? 60 Fire Circles? 2 Fire Circles (sheltered)? 2 Horseshoe pits? Interpretive Activities? Wildlife Viewing




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 23 we love the river and so do the kids by splash
park review stars; one to five great place for kids and lots of playing time in the river, perfect destination to get out of the city.
April 17 our own nature retreat by rivermouse
park review stars; one to five we return every august for 4 days of awesome tubing on all forks of the satsop river, walking the trail &great food and campfires
January 29 our little home away from home. by happy camper
park review stars; one to five This is a nice family park on the river, we make it one of our summer time events
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Area Campgrounds
Elma R.V. Park
4730 State Route 12
Elma, WA
866-211-3939
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located 12 miles north of Elma, Wash., on the East Fork of the Satsop River in Mason County.

From Elma:Drive 12 miles north on the East Satsop Road. The park is also accessible via the Brady exit from U.S. Hwy. 12. This route offers a scenic 10-mile drive.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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