Chiloquin, Oregon and Collier State Park

Chiloquin is a small logging town, population under 800, and home to the Klamath Tribes. There are a few businesses, a hotel, the Forestry Service office, and not much else. A few years ago the Klamaths built a casino there. We aren’t much on gambling, so have never stopped but it looks like a nice establishment.

As we drove north on Hwy 97 we reminisced about our days living in Chiloquin, back in the early ‘80’s. At that time Steve was a resident deputy for the Klamath County Sheriff’s Dept. We lived in the forestry compound in a tidy little frame house (they have since pulled out all the houses) and entertained ourselves all winter long by feeding massive amounts of firewood into the little wood stove. In spite of all the wood we fed it we often had ice on the inside of the windows in the bedrooms. Winter is a long season on this side of the Cascades, and it comes complete with lots of snow and ice. In the summer you can’t beat the weather though. Aside from a few mosquitoes now and then, it’s mild and comfortable.

Shiner by the Williamson River and Susan Creek

Just a few miles north of Chiloquin is Collier Memorial State Park, the perfect place for an overnight stop to get caught up on a few things before heading for another rustic (no services) campground. Collier is full-service, and has a nice little laundry facility in the same building with the showers. All are well maintained and very convenient. The campsites are generously spaced, with some right along the Williamson River, though the bank is fairly steep so you can’t just walk back and put your toes in the water.

One feature of this area that hasn’t changed a bit since we lived here – chipmunks! Well, ok, they’re really golden mantle squirrels but whatever you want to call them, they are everywhere and they drove poor Shiner crazy as we wouldn’t let her chase them. That’s the price of civilization!

On the opposite side of Hwy. 97 sits the Collier Logging Museum. The museum has been here for years and was one of our favorite picnic sites when we lived here.

The museum houses a huge collection of logging equipment, both large and small items, along with a wealth of information regarding the industry. There are also wonderful old log and frame buildings that have been moved in from other location. These are a treat to browse. Examining the building techniques and thinking about living in a space that small (all winter, with children!) has always fascinated me.
The buildings look as they would have in a settlement, surrounded by wild currant bushes and other shrubs.

Many are filled with old-time household furnishings, a few also have lights inside, so wandering among them is like a trip back in time. 'It's a great experience for anyone but especially for children studying American history.

Steve is more absorbed in the huge collection of logging equipment. The collection has expanded over the years, and each piece has a story of its own to tell. The chainsaw collection is a small example, and a fascinating reminder of how things evolve in every industry.

The museum has planned activities, docents that give tours, and a nice gift shop with Oregon and logging related items. If you’re heading this way plan at least two hours for a visit, and a picnic at the day use area which is right on the Williamson River.