The Forks Chamber Logging and Mill tours have gotten underway for the summer season. The first tour went out last Wednesday and although I was still in my “boot” I went along for the trip.
I usually go every year, but, I think I missed last year, so it was nice to go out on the first one. Along on the tour were Clallam County Commissioner Mike French, his son Logan, PA Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais and her husband Jim, PA Port Timber Liaison Joe Murray, and Forks residents Ronnie Aldrich and Don Grafstrom.
Richard Halverson, the man of a million names …well about 4 or 5 anyway was our tour guide.
Usually, it is a bit of a drive to find a logging site but we were able to watch timber processing at the corner of Hwy 101 and La Push Road on a job being logged by Dilley and Soloman.
We then drove down the Highway to a Shake/Shingle mill and enjoyed the aroma of cedar as the workers there were busy making their products.
Heading back to town we were treated to a stop at tour guide Richard’s property complete with a real toilet in the woods (don’t ask) and a white attack chicken who did not recognize the Chamber van and ran after us, Richard said the chicken was not a threat.
We also got to see a chicken palace of sorts as Richard explained that the former home of his mother-in-law has become a home for the chickens. (Don’t ask again; although ask …it is a good story.)
We stopped by another mill and then looked for elk up Division Street, but none were to be seen.
These FREE tours leave the Chamber’s Visitor Information Center each Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. and last 2.5-3 hours, May through August.
These tours are sponsored by the Forks Chamber of Commerce and made possible by donations from local businesses and tour participants. If you have time take a tour, it is fun and you can learn some interesting stuff about modern forest practices, the policies that affect our forests, and the global impacts of good forest management. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted!
Reserve a Space: Call (360) 374-2531 or (800) 443-6757.
Clallam County Commissioner French and son Logan watch some logging activity on the La Push Road.
