Schafer State Park

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Does your perfect day off involve trees, lawn, sun spots, shade and a clear, turquoise river? Pack your fishing pole, swimsuit and picnic basket, round up your family and friends - or take some much-needed solitude – and head to Schafer State Park.

Schafer offers supreme fishing on the Satsop River, for steelhead, cutthroat trout and salmon. The river also offers calm, shallow wading spots and joyous inner-tube floats.

Spread out that picnic at an outdoor table, or under a tree on the wide lawn. Meander down the 2-mile trail; then take a moment to explore the park's origins, dating back to 1872. Schafer is a state and national historic site designated by the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive exhibits highlight the history of the original homesteaders and area's logging industry.

Needing more rest and replenishment? Why not make it a multi-day stay? Set up camp in your tent or RV, and wake up early for a morning float or some prime-time angling.

Park features

Schafer State Park is a 113-acre camping park on the Satsop River, midway between Olympia and the Pacific Ocean. The park's impressive buildings are constructed of native stone.

Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

  1. Activities
  2. Camping
  3. History
  4. Maps

ADA amenities/facilities

  • Campground

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.

Activities

Trails

  • 2 miles of hiking trails

Water activities

  • Fishing (freshwater)
  • Swimming

Other activities & features

  • Amphitheater
  • Bird watching
  • Horseshoe pits (4)
  • Interpretive activities
  • Wildlife viewing

Interpretive opportunities

A series of outdoor exhibits detail the park's natural and cultural history. 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.

Additional information

  • The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks host a traditional salmon bake in October and an annual yule log event in December. The park also offers summer lectures, musical performances, and other events every year.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).