Over 20 significant pieces of Pacific Northwest logging history —
walk it, drive it, live it. Free and open to all.
The Camp 18 artifact grounds are free and self-guided. Whether you take the easy 440-step walking loop, drive through at your own pace, or both — you'll encounter over 20 pieces of authentic Pacific Northwest logging history, right where they live.
440-step lower loop. ~15–20 min with stops. Paved ramp with handrail walls. 5 numbered stops.
Pull through at your own pace on the drivable trail loop. Great for mobility needs or with young children.
Camp 18 Restaurant is right next door — Gordon Smith's hand-built masterpiece. Don't skip it.
The new Archive Building — March 2026 · Elsie, Oregon
The new Archive Building is rising on the upper grounds — hand-built and purpose-made to house the Camp 18 artifact and document collection. When complete, it will protect the chainsaws, records, and historical materials that tell the full story of Pacific Northwest logging.
This building is itself part of the story — constructed with the same hands-on spirit as the museum it serves.
A special tribute to Jose Alvarez, Camp 18's dedicated groundskeeper, whose skilled hands cut the door slabs for this building — wood generously donated by Mike Pihl of Pihl Logging. The tree gave what it could. The hands that shaped it made it last.
Nine feet tall. Steve Boudreau stands watch over every logger whose name is on the memorial wall.
🥾 Start here
Over 400 copper plaques. Every name is a family. Nobody gets forgotten.
🥾 Upper memorial wall
90,000 pounds of steam-powered iron. The machine that hauled timber out of terrain no horse could reach — and built Oregon's timber industry.
🥾 Lower grounds
The crossroads of the lower loop — named for Sam Churchill. The junction where the return path begins, and the Blacksmith Shop comes into view.
🥾 30 steps from ramp base
When the iconic spar pole grew too old and unsafe to stand, it had to come down. As it fell, the pole landed on this very winch — snapping four solid 4-inch hardened steel shafts as if they were nothing. The pulley that had ridden the top of that pole came down with such force it slammed into the tanker train car nearby. Miraculously, the pole fell away from the Blacksmith Shop — had it gone the other direction, the shop would have been destroyed. Another day in the life of a logger. From here it's 440 steps back to the start.
🥾 74 steps from ramp baseOver 20 significant pieces of Pacific Northwest logging and railroad history — preserved where they stand. Every machine has a story. Every story belongs to the men who ran them.
A printable walking map of all 5 stops — available to take with you and on display at Camp 18 Restaurant next door.
An aerial photo and illustrated stop map are in development. Drone photography coming with spring weather. Pick up a printed copy at the restaurant when available.
🚁 Aerial drone photo pending · Spring 2026
42362 US Highway 26
Elsie, OR 97138
9am – 5pm
Walking Tour · Free admission
Free parking on site. Drive-through loop accessible from the main entrance.
971-306-1043
camp18memorial@gmail.com
