Celebrate the coming of winter at Schafer State Park

MONTESANO, Wash. - The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks invite the public to the annual yule log celebration at Schafer State Park in Grays Harbor County.

The celebration is 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Schafer State Park, West 1365 Schafer Park Road in Elma. Activities start with a hunt for the yule log for children attending the event. Participants then pull the log back to the community hall to use as firewood at the celebration. After the yule log hunt, visitors may enjoy music, singing around the fire and refreshments. Hot beverages are provided. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to share. Admission is free. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event.

The yule log celebration at Schafer State Park began as a community event more than 50 years ago. The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks and park staff continue the tradition, bringing the community together in the natural Pacific Northwest setting of Schafer State Park and to celebrate the coming of winter.

Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends’ group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page. 

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The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks (FOSLS) strive to support, promote and ensure the perpetual operation of Schafer and Lake Sylvia state parks as state parks. FOSLS raises funds and in-kind donations for the support of these two state parks, through events such as the Fall Festival at Lake Sylvia and other volunteer efforts. Friends groups support Washington state parks in a variety of ways, including financial assistance and volunteer support and helping keep to state parks open and operating for the enjoyment of all Washingtonians.

Schafer State Park is a 119-acre camping park in southwest Mason County, midway between Olympia and Ocean Park. Abundant fishing for steelhead, trout and salmon on the Satsop River and shallow waters for wading and swimming attract park users. The park also features structures built of native stone. Peter, Hubert and Albert Schafer donated the property to the state in 1924 to honor their parents, John and Anna Schafer. The Schafer family homesteaded along the Satsop River in 1871 and later founded the Schafer Bros. Lumber Company. The logging company became one of the largest lumber operations in the Northwest. Rich in local history, the park is a state and national historic site as designated by the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Park overview:

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. Rich in local history, the park is a state and national historic site as designated by the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places.

Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends’ group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page. 

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: Campground closed Oct. 1, reopens April 27. Day-use area is open 8 a.m. to dusk during winter. 

The park is open year round for day use. 

Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!

Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. 

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.