Our Trail Projects

The Grays Harbor Chapter maintains trails in the Olympic National Forest and on private timber land. Our two main adopted trail projects are the West Fork Humptulips Trail system and the Schafer Grade trails.

West Fork Humptulips Trail #806

The West Fork Humptulips Trail is our chapter’s primary trail project and the only trail in the Pacific District South that is open and stock-accessible by equestrians. Located in the Olympic National Forest under the Pacific Ranger District, Quinault office.

Since 2008, our chapter has maintained a Volunteer Agreement with the Olympic National Forest. In 2015, BCHW was awarded a $21,000 Recreational Trails Program federal grant for trail improvements.

The Schafer Grade

At this time, the area is open to the public for non-motorized use with free, no-permit parking allowed outside of the gates. View Green Diamond Map (PDF)

Located in the southern end of historic Olympic Peninsula logging country, the Grays Harbor Chapter, thanks to being part of BCH of Washington with their insurance, has been leasing 4,722 acres of timberland from Green Diamond Resources since 2018. Known as the Schafer Grade, with this lease, we have been allowed to put in trails, have our own locks and keys for the gates, and to camp. There are now approximately 30 miles of trails built by horsemen with horses and mules in mind.

The Schafer Grade offers scenic forest riding through working timberland. The trails wind through various stages of forest growth, offering open views and shaded stretches. There are views of the Olympics, along with access to the Canyon River and Halsey Creek. This is a great area for riders of all skill levels.

Through the center of the property are two old railroad grades — the Schafer Grade, now a main logging road, and an even older railroad grade that is now a trail and the heart of our trail system. Built in the early 1900s by the Schafer Brothers Logging Company, steam trains were originally used to haul logs from the woods to the towns of Shelton and Montesano for shipping and milling.

There are two old train trestles on the property too. While fascinating to see, neither are safe for anything but photos and remembering history anymore. The property was later sold to Simpson Timber Company in 1955 and then Green Diamond Resources took over the timberlands. They are now harvesting the fourth and fifth crops from these lands. And where steam trains once traveled, now there are horses.

Directions to Schafer Grade

From Brady

(Brady is located on Highway 12 west of Elma, east of Montesano.)

1. Head north on the Middle Satsop Rd. for 10 miles to the West Boundary Rd.
2. Take a left and travel 8.4 miles to Kelley Rd.
3. Take a left, cross the bridge and go 0.09 of a mile.
4. You will pass one logging gate. Take the first road to the left and follow it for 0.01 mile.
5. The gate is on your left.

From Matlock

(Matlock is located approx. 24 miles from Highway 101 on the Shelton–Matlock Road.)

1. Continue southwest past the grocery store on the Matlock-Deckerville Rd for 1 mile.
2. Take a right on W Deckerville Rd.
3. Go 4.5 miles (road changes name to Boundary Rd.) to Kelley Road and take a right.
4. Cross the bridge and go 0.09 of a mile.
5. You will pass one logging gate. Take the first road to the left and follow it for 0.01 mile.
6. The gate is on your left.

Trail Work

Each year our members volunteer to clear downed trees, maintain tread, clean water bars, and keep trails passable for all users. Our work benefits not only equestrians but hikers and other back country travelers.

Interested in joining a work party? Come to a monthly meeting to learn about upcoming trail work days, or check our calendar for scheduled projects.

Leave No Trace

We practice and promote the seven principles of Leave No Trace for equestrian back country use:

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors