Oregon's Logging History Comes To Life At Collier Memorial State Park
By Catherine Armstrong|Published September 15, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
When it’s time for an Oregon adventure, you can’t go wrong with any of the Beaver State’s dozens of state parks and recreation areas. Whether you’re looking for kayaking lakes, ocean views, or remnants of Oregon’s rich history, you’ll find it all in these pretty spots. Collier Memorial Park has plenty of recreation opportunities, but it’s also home to a logging museum that will bring history to life when you visit.
You'll find Collier Memorial State Park along US-97, about halfway between Agency Lake and Crater Lake.
There are some great recreation opportunities at this park that sits right on the Williamson River. Take a hike, put your kayak in the river or creek, and drop a line in to try to catch your dinner. The Williamson is known for its trophy trout.
...and the park sits right at the confluence of the Williamson River and Spring Creek, so you have plenty of shoreline to explore and water to splash in.
Life was hard for the folks who settled here. In fact, you'll see this half-finished cabin, which has a sign explaining why the home was never completed. The owner was killed during its construction.
Take the Cut, Move, and Mill Trail to see all kinds of equipment that was used in the lumber industry to remove trees, move them to the mill, then mill them into lumber for furniture, homes, and other development.
The Logging Evolution Trail takes you through the decades of logging history, starting with horse and oxen, and moving through steam-powered transportation to the internal combustion engine. This Aultman-Taylor Steam Tractor is one of three such tractors you'll see here.
With so many ways to explore this area, you'll certainly want to camp overnight. Collier Memorial State Park has 46 hook-up sites and 18 tent sites. Hot showers and flush toilets are available. Camping is open April through October; day use at the park is year-round.
If you’re looking for more magnificent state parks in Oregon, you might want to check out these nine lesser-visited parks, where you’ll find fewer crowds and plenty to see and do.
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